This week we would like to toast one of our nearest exoplanet neighbors, Proxima b. That's right, in 2016 scientists confirmed the discovery of Proxima b, an Earth-like planet in the Alpha Centauri system. Alpha Centauri, long thought to be one star but actually a trio of stars including the binary stars Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B, as well as a third red dwarf star, Proxima Centauri. Though many Earth-like exoplanets have been identified, the proximity of Proxima b and the fact that it is in the habitable or 'Goldilocks' zone is what makes this discovery so exciting.
The latest word (August 2017) is that Proxima b may not be able to sustain an Earth-like atmosphere but we still have hope that we do have neighbors on Prixima b and that they are fabulous. The best news is that is Proxima b resides in the habitable zone of it's start which means liquid water could exist. If you have liquid water, then you can have, yes...ice cubes for cocktails!
Cocktail pairing: nothing but the best champagne for our new neighbors, cheers! We'll bring a welcome to the galaxy gift right over ;-)