Proxima b

Proxima b (short for Proxima Centauri b) is an extra-solar planet orbiting Proxima Centauri, a red dwarf which is part of the triple-star system, Alpha Centauri. Proxima b is known for orbiting within its host star's habitable zone and for being the nearest known exoplanet to us. It was found in August 2016 during studies of the star's radial velocity. It orbits the star in 11 days. Its orbital inclination is unknown, limiting our knowledge of its mass: measurement and analysis suggest it is a bit more than Earth. Its presence in a habitable zone makes it of research interest. It is unknown whether it is rocky. Its actual habitability seems unlikely because of the star's likely stellar activity. Characteristics:

• Host star: Proxima Centauri.
• Discovery: radial velocity method in 2016.
• 4.2465 ly - distance.
• 0.05 AU - orbital radius (semi-major axis).
• 11 days - orbital period.
• 1.07 - minimum mass in Earth masses.
• 0.94-1.4 - estimated radius in Earth radii.
• 234 K - equilibrium temperature.