Proxima Centauri
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Proxima Centauri is the star nearest to our solar system. It lies at a distance of approximately 4.2 light-years (a light-year being the distance light travels in one year). It is visible from the southern hemisphere of the sky, within the constellation Centaurus.
It is a red dwarf star. Its size and mass are much smaller than those of the Sun, and its light output is very dim, so it cannot be seen with the naked eye despite its proximity. Its surface temperature is lower than the Sun's, which results in its light being predominantly red and infrared.
Connection to the Alpha Centauri System
Proxima Centauri is associated with the two stars Alpha Centauri A and B, which orbit each other. Proxima is at a much greater distance from both of them, and its orbit takes tens of thousands of years to complete. For this reason it is sometimes called Alpha Centauri C.
Flares and Activity
Proxima is a flare star. It emits rapid bursts of light that increase its brightness for short periods, particularly in X-ray and ultraviolet wavelengths. These flares could affect the atmospheres of orbiting planets, raising questions about the possibility of life.
Planets
In 2016, the discovery was announced of a planet designated Proxima Centauri b, whose size resembles Earth and which orbits within the region where liquid water could potentially exist. Additional candidate planets detected through stellar radial velocity variations have also been proposed.