A NEW alien world right on Earth’s cosmic doorstep is expected to be unveiled tomorrow. By David Trayner
NEW WORLD ORDER: An alien world is thought to be lurking right on Earth's doorstepSpace boffins are set to announce they have discovered a planet orbiting Proxima Centauri – the closest neighbouring star to the Sun.The new so-called “exoplanet” is rumoured to be similar to Earth – and may even be habitable.It could form a new homeland for humans escaping war, disease, nuclear apocalypse or climate change on Earth.Or it could act as a staging post for a journey into deep space.ESANEIGHBOUR: The red dwarf star Proxima Centuri
The European Southern Observatory is said to have spied the planet La Silla telescope in Chile.But scientists have kept schtum – refusing to confirm or deny rumours the world is similar to Earth.However, the ESO has called the media to its HQ in Germany for a major announcement on Wednesday.NASA/PENN STATE UNIVERSITYNEIGHBOURHOOD: The closest stars to the SunAstronomers claimed there may be a giant hidden planet called Planet 9 lurking in the outer reaches of our Solar System earlier this year.But – if confirmed – the new as-yet-unnamed planet would be the closest found outside our Solar System.It could support life if it is in the “Goldilocks Zone” around the star – i.e. not to hot and not too cold.
Proxima Centauri is a red dwarf star 4.25 light years from Earth.Even with our most advanced spacecraft, it would take some 81,000 years to reach.But future rocket technology could make interstellar travel possible.
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