Proxima Centauri

Proxima Centauri is a small, cool star located about 4.24 light-years away from Earth, making it our closest known stellar neighbor. It's part of the Alpha Centauri star system and is classified as a red dwarf, which is smaller and dimmer than our Sun. Despite its proximity, it's too faint to see without a telescope. In 2016, astronomers discovered an Earth-sized exoplanet called Proxima Centauri b orbiting within its habitable zone, where conditions might support liquid water. Proxima Centauri's proximity makes it a key target for future space exploration and the search for extraterrestrial life.