Credit: SWNS
So usually when we run stories about the possibility of aliens out there or the world ending or anything like that, it tends to be tin foil hat stuff.
This isn't, however.
Earlier today we reported that there could be a second habitable planet near us, (not Mars - put them away!) and we're delighted to say it's not bull shit, following a press conference by the European Southern Observatory!
Astrologists have genuinely found a planet orbiting a star out of our solar system but not too far away figuratively speaking, and first signs are that it could support life.
After 15 years of research, it was found thanks the Pale Red Dot campaign, with Guillem Anglada-Escudé, from Queen Mary University in London, heading up a team of astronomers.
He stated in a press release: "The first hints of a possible planet were spotted back in 2013, but the detection was not convincing. Since then we have worked hard to get further observations off the ground with help from ESO and others. The recent Pale Red Dot campaign has been about two years in the planning."
Using EFO funding and resources among others, astrologers have found evidence that a planet is orbiting Proxima Centauri, the closest star to planet Earth.
So it's another planet. What's the big deal?
Well it transpires that the planet, named Proxima b, has a climate that can sustain water. It may be the closest planet to us that can have some form of life. THERE COULD BE LIFE!
The planet is said to be a little larger than ours (around 1,3 times) and it orbits the star every 11 days and is particularly rocky.
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So how long would it take to get to Proxima b? Well it's four light years away to the star (Proxima Centauri) from us, which lies near to bigger stars Alpha Centurai A & B. Proxima Centauri is technically a red dwarf, emitting far less energy than say, the sun, but the orbit of the planet is far nearer so it means that the planet remains habitable.
For size reference only. Credit: Ian Morison
So what's the plan now?
As Escudé exlplains, it's now time to see if life actually does exist on Promixa b. "Many exoplanets have been found and many more will be found, but searching for the closest potential Earth-analogue and succeeding has been the experience of a lifetime for all of us. Many people's stories and efforts have converged on this discovery. The result is also a tribute to all of them. The search for life on Proxima b comes next..."
Anyway, enough of the science. There could be life and... this time... it's not tin foil hat bullshit.
Words Patrick Hulbert
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