Well, the answer is Proxima Centauri, and it’s actually part of a triple star system called Alpha Centauri. Proxima Centauri is located about 4.24 light-years away from Earth, which is a relatively short distance in terms of space. However, it’s still too far for us to visit with our current technology.
Proxima Centauri is a type of star called a red dwarf. It’s much smaller and cooler than our Sun, and it’s not visible to the naked eye from Earth. Scientists have studied Proxima Centauri extensively, and they’re interested in learning more about it because it’s close by and has potential for having planets that could support life.
In fact, in 2016, astronomers discovered an exoplanet orbiting Proxima Centauri that is similar in size to Earth and is located in the star’s habitable zone, where temperatures are just right for liquid water to exist on the planet’s surface. This discovery was exciting because it suggested that there could be other Earth-like planets nearby, and it sparked interest in the search for extraterrestrial life.
Although Proxima Centauri is the closest star to our Sun, it’s still incredibly far away, and it would take a long time for us to reach it with our current technology. However, ongoing research into this star and its potential habitable planets is helping us learn more about the universe and our place in it.