Proxima Centauri: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life Until Now

Alien Life's Next-Door Neighbor: Proxima Centauri

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Published in 11-04-2024

Photo by ESA/Hubble & NASA
Proxima Centauri is a red dwarf star, the smallest and dimmest of the three stars that make up the Alpha Centauri system. What makes it so special is its proximity to our Solar System: it is the closest star to the Sun, at just 4.24 light years away.

Despite the challenges, the search for extraterrestrial life remains a priority for many scientists. New telescopes and data analysis techniques are being developed to improve our chances of detection. Proxima Centauri is one of the closest stars to our Sun, and therefore a prime target in the search for habitable exoplanets. However, although planets have been discovered in this system, no evidence of life has yet been found.

What we know so far:
1-A signal was recorded from Proxima Centauri, called BLC-1, it was first detected in April and May 2019.
2-The BLC-1 signal: The signal in question was captured by the Parkes radio telescope in Australia in 2019 precisely.
3-Duration and intensity: The signal lasted approximately 5 hours and was detected in a frequency band that is not usually interfered with by terrestrial signals.
4-Origin: The signal seemed to come from a region near Proxima Centauri, the closest star to our Solar System.

Initial hypotheses: Initially, there was speculation about the possibility that the signal was of extraterrestrial origin and therefore evidence of an intelligent civilization.
Later research: However, later research suggested that the signal could be a "terrestrial interference artifact" generated by human technologies.

The Search for Extraterrestrial Life: A Focus on Proxima Centauri b

Photo by NASA

What does this mean?

No confirmation: As of yet, there is no definitive confirmation that the BLC-1 signal is of extraterrestrial origin. Further observations and analysis are needed to determine the exact nature of the signal.

Despite this specific case, the search for extraterrestrial life remains an active and exciting field of research.

Photo by NASA
Proxima Centauri b is a planet orbiting Proxima Centauri, a red dwarf star that is our closest stellar neighbor.

Why is it so difficult to detect alien signals?

a) Vastness of the universe: The universe is vast and the likelihood that an alien civilization is transmitting a detectable signal in our little corner of the cosmos is very low.
b) Distance: Even if a civilization was transmitting, the signal could weaken considerably as it travels interstellar distances.
c) Technology: Our detection capabilities are limited and we may not be able to detect all forms of alien communication.
d) Lack of a universal language: We don't know how other civilizations would communicate, so searching for a specific signal is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

In short, the question of whether we are alone in the universe remains a mystery. Although we have not yet found a definitive answer, advances in astronomy and technology are bringing us ever closer to discovering the truth.