Original project · 2026

Complete star-system information

Proxima Centauri

The nearest known star to the Sun and home of Proxima Centauri b.

Back to systems
Host starProxima Centauri

M-type red dwarf; member of the Alpha Centauri system

Distance from EarthApprox. 4.24 light-years

One-way light time: 4.24 years

Worlds listed here1

1 catalog candidates flagged for habitability discussion.

Communication round trip8.48 years

Before any scientific processing or response delay.

System architecture

Proxima Centauri

Star typeM-type red dwarf; member of the Alpha Centauri system
ArchitectureA nearby compact planetary system. This catalog focuses on Proxima Centauri b.
How it is observedPlanets are detected indirectly from stellar motion and other precision measurements; no resolved surface image exists.
Research importanceIt is the nearest known planetary system beyond the Sun and therefore a prime long-term interstellar target.
Main uncertaintyPlanet atmosphere, surface conditions and the effect of stellar flares remain major unknowns.
Nearest star beyond the SunYes
System contextAlpha Centauri multiple-star system
Catalog worldProxima Centauri b
Image statusScientific artist concept

System travel calculation

How long to reach Proxima Centauri?

This is the approximate distance from Earth to the host star system. Every listed planet in the system is effectively at the same interstellar distance for travel estimates.

At light speed4.24 years299,792 km/s

A physical reference only. A spacecraft with mass cannot reach light speed.

At 10% of light speed42.4 years29,979 km/s — hypothetical

No operational spacecraft can sustain this interstellar cruise speed.

At 1% of light speed424 years2,998 km/s — hypothetical

Still far beyond current spacecraft propulsion.

At Parker Solar Probe peak6,613 yearsAbout 692,000 km/h

Parker reaches this speed only very close to the Sun; it is not an interstellar cruise speed.

At New Horizons launch speed78,175 yearsAbout 58,536 km/h

A comparison using a real high-energy launch from Earth.

At Voyager 1 speed74,772 yearsAbout 61,200 km/h

A practical comparison with a spacecraft already moving into interstellar space.

Catalog worlds in this system

1 listed worlds

Primary catalog source: NASA Science ↗