Proxima Centauri, the star closest to our solar system, has once again captured the attention of astronomers. Known for its energetic personality as an active M dwarf star, it harbors the potential to host habitable planets. However, recent observations suggest its intense flare activity may challenge the livability of its planetary companions, particularly Proxima b.
Using cutting-edge technology from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), researchers delved into the secrets of millimeter flares emitted by the star. These explosive events, described in a groundbreaking new study, reveal the nature of the flares themselves and their broader implications for the atmosphere and habitability of nearby exoplanets.
The study sheds light on Proxima Centauri’s unusually robust magnetic field, which fuels its flaring activity. As its magnetic fields twist, build tension, and eventually snap, the star releases light streams across the electromagnetic spectrum alongside bursts of charged particles called stellar energetic particles.
With ALMA’s sensitive millimeter-wave observations, the team detected 463 flare events during 50 hours of analysis, some lasting as short as 3 seconds. The energy of these flares ranged from 10²⁴ to 10²⁷ ergs, highlighting the star’s volatile behavior.
Dr. MacGregor, a key researcher, articulated the heart of their investigation: “We’re asking how these flares impact planetary atmospheres. Could they be chemically altering, or even eroding, these atmospheres entirely?”
Scientists confirmed the existence of an Earth around the nearest star
The findings reveal that these frequent, short-lived flares are critical in shaping space weather around Proxima Centauri. Moreover, they follow a unique energy distribution.
More minor flares occur often, while larger ones are rarer, forming a pattern that differs markedly from similar phenomena observed at optical wavelengths. ALMA’s high sensitivity has been pivotal in capturing this previously hidden realm of stellar activity.
As astronomers refine their understanding of Proxima Centauri’s energetic outbursts, the question remains: can planets orbiting such volatile stars sustain life? This study opens a new chapter in unraveling the intricate relationship between stars and their planetary environments.
The exploration of Proxima Centauri reminds us that even the smallest stars can harbor cosmic fireworks—and that the quest to understand exoplanet habitability is far from over.
Journal Reference
- Kiana Burton et al, The Proxima Centauri Campaign—First Constraints on Millimeter Flare Rates from ALMA, The Astrophysical Journal (2025). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ada5f2
Source: Tech Explorist
