New computer models show that Alpha Centauri B may very well have an Earth-sized planet within the habitable orbital zone
At four light years away, these are the closest stars to our solar system. Of the 276 extrasolar planets we have found so far none of them have been that local. Now two of the co-authors are about to start a campaign at Cerro Tololo Observatory in Chile to observe Alpha Centauri to test methods to look for these planets.
Alpha Centauri is a good target because, like the Big Dipper in the Northern Hemisphere, Alpha Centauri is almost always up in the Southern Hemisphere night sky for observing. Being so bright and nearby would also help researchers detect the tiny wobble a small terrestrial planet would impart.
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Cool!
But can we please kick Dr. Smith out of the air lock this time?
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