Life May Be Able To Survive On Proxima B?

Scientists announced in August the discovery of an Earth-like planet that they called Proxima B, which is located within the closest neighboring star system. Since its discovery, scientists have hinted the possibility of a breathable atmosphere -- and the presence of water. As noted, it is close enough to its host star so it has liquid water, but is not too close to have the water boiled away.

Today, a new study offers both good and bad news regarding the planet: Science Alert noted that there have been simulations that showed the planet could host life -- but it is pummeled regularly by stellar flares that are at "extinction level."

But what do these solar flares have and how do they affect exoplanets? Dmitri Atri, a research scientist at the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science in Seattle, ran computer stimulations and found that if Proxima B had an atmosphere similar to Earth, it would not have any significant effect on the biosphere. However, as reported by Space.com, if the atmosphere is only slightly thinner or its magnetic field much weaker, then the alien planet may receive "extinction-level" doses of radiation.

That being said, despite its similarities to Earth's atmosphere, it does not have a protective barrier. This means that any life form living on it could be wiped out.

But what is all the fuss about Proxima B? For one thing, it is only 4.25 lightyears away -- or about 40 trillion kilometers. Before this, the closest Earth-like planet ever found was a whopping 14 lightyears away. While Proxima B is still likely outside the range of the probes, there is a possibility that humans can visit it eventually -- maybe by 2060, if a Russian billionaire has any say in it. Yuri Milner, the Russian billionaire in question, already pledged US$100 million toward a plan on visiting another star system.