It is probably in the not-too-hot, not-too-cold Goldilocks Zone where liquid water — a key to life — is possible, if the planet has an atmosphere. And if that’s not different enough, the planet circles its star so quickly that its year is about 11 days. The planet doesn’t rotate, so one side is always facing its star and the other side is always dark and colder. Yet in the vastness of space, Proxima b is practically just over the fence, “like your next-door neighbour,” Butler said. The next step may be for a powerful Earth or space telescope to get an actual image of the planet, Butler said.

Source: National Post August 24, 2016 17:48 UTC