The nearest stellar system is located just 4 light years away from the Sun. It is formed of three stars, Alpha Centauri A and B, and Proxima. The closest star of the three, Proxima, is a very low-mass M-dwarf known for its intense flaring activity. It hosts a planetary system comprised of an Earth-mass planet in the habitable zone of the star and a long period super-Earth.
In this presentation I will talk about Proxima Centauri, the nearest star to the Sun. I will explain its behaviour, focusing on its similarities and differences to the Sun. I will describe its planetary system. I will focus on the recent confirmation of Proxima b by the ESPESSO GTO science team, the prospects of habitability, the news on the confirmation of Proxima c and the possibility of the presence of additional planets in the system.
