Proxima Centauri B

Proxima Centauri B, also known as Alpha Centauri Cb, is an exoplanet situated within the habitable zone of Proxima Centauri, a red dwarf star and the closest star to the Sun. It is part of the larger Alpha Centauri triple star system, located approximately 4.2 light-years (1.3 parsecs) away from Earth in the constellation Centaurus. Alongside the disputed Proxima c and Proxima d, it is one of the closest known exoplanets to our Solar System.

Proxima Centauri B orbits its parent star at a distance of approximately 0.05 AU (7.5 million kilometers; 4.6 million miles), completing one orbit in approximately 11.2 Earth days. While many of its properties are still not well understood, scientists believe it to be a potentially Earth-like planet. It possesses a minimum mass of at least 1.07 times that of Earth and a slightly larger radius. It is worth noting that Proxima Centauri is a flare star, emitting intense electromagnetic radiation that could potentially strip an atmosphere off the planet.

The discovery of Proxima Centauri B was announced by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) on August 24, 2016. Its existence was confirmed through several years of studying the radial velocity of its parent star. This discovery marked a significant milestone in the field of planetology, drawing immense interest towards the Alpha Centauri star system as a whole, of which Proxima Centauri is a member.

Proxima Centauri B is classified as a Class M planet. Its gravity is approximately 0.9 times that of Earth, offering a slightly lighter environment. In 2162, the United Coalition of Space successfully sent a manned mission to explore and land on Proxima Centauri B. To their astonishment, they discovered the planet was already inhabited by a species known as the Centaurians.

The Centaurians display an almost humanoid appearance, except for the presence of four legs instead of two. They possess mauve-colored skin and stand between 7 and 9 feet tall, their stature influenced by the lower gravity of their home planet. Although the Centaurians had achieved faster-than-light (FTL) travel as early as the Earth year 1936, they consciously avoided making contact with Earth due to perceptions of hostility between the species.

Despite their highly advanced technology, Centaurian society exhibits a social structure akin to the native American tribes of America. With a global population of fewer than 5 million individuals, they maintain a harmonious and well-organized society. The Centaurians, classified as mammals, possess traits and characteristics common to their biological classification.

The exploration and ongoing study of Proxima Centauri B have provided valuable insights into exoplanetary research, interstellar travel, and the potential for extraterrestrial life. The presence of the Centaurians on the planet has not only broadened our understanding of their unique society but also sparked interest in fostering interstellar relations with this enigmatic species.