Proxima Centauri and its planet compared to the Solar System

This infographic compares the orbit of the planet around Proxima Centauri (Proxima b) with the same region of the Solar System. Proxima Centauri is smaller and cooler than the Sun and the planet orbits much closer to its star than Mercury. As a result it lies well within the habitable zone, where liquid water can exist on the planet’s surface.

Credit:

ESO/M. Kornmesser/G. Coleman

About the Image

Id:eso1629c
Type:Artwork
Release date:24 August 2016, 19:00
Related releases:eso1629
Size:10000 x 6800 px

About the Object

Name:Proxima b, Proxima Centauri
Type:Milky Way : Star : Circumstellar Material : Planetary System
Category:Exoplanets

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