Proxima Centauri b

Started by raymoh, April 13, 2021, 11:13:45 AM

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raymoh

Again an astronomical topic:
Two snapshots of Proxima Centauri b, the nearest "Earth-like" exoplanet. Proxima Centauri together with the double star Alpha Centauri physically forms a triple system.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proxima_Centauri
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proxima_Centauri_b
However, Proxima b is probably not a "second Earth". Its parent star, a red dwarf, undergoes unpredictable, strong energetic bursts of radiation, called ,,flares" ( protuberances, coronal mass ejections). These flares can be stronger in the UV and X-ray range than corresponding outbursts on the surface of the Sun. Also the other brightness of the star can increase dramatically during such an outburst. All this can strongly affect the habitability of the nearby planet "Prox b".

The two renders show on one side a "quiet" Proxima, on the other side the same area at an "active" Proxima. An (assumed) life form there helps itself by emitting the excess energy in the form of visible light during active phases of the star, similar to the bioluminescence of terrestrial organisms.
Through the atmosphere, thinned out by many eruptions in the meantime, the brightest stars are visible, especially of course the two bright stars of Alpha Centauri.
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WAS

Really cool! I really like the ground displacement distribution and colouring. The second looks pretty awesome too. Like some sort of red algae stuff.

Jo Kariboo

Beautiful picture. I have a preference for the first. Thank you for the astronomical information. I find the attention to the starry sky interesting.

DocCharly65

Really great!
In fact I like the first one a bit more. The additional cloud makes it more interesting.

N-drju

Lovely image @raymoh and scientifically proven too. Thanks for letting us know what the Next Door looks like. :)

The grass is obviously not greener. :P
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