The Digital Press

Astronomers using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have found strong evidence of a gas giant planet orbiting Alpha Centauri A, the closest Sun-like star system to Earth. This candidate planet lies within the star's habitable zone, though its gas giant nature likely precludes life as we know it.

Why it matters: This would be the closest planet found orbiting a Sun-like star in a potentially habitable zone, advancing exoplanet studies.

The big picture: Detecting planets near Alpha Centauri A offers unprecedented opportunities to study planetary systems close to our own.

The stakes: The giant's elliptical orbit could prevent smaller, rocky planets from surviving in the habitable zone, limiting life-hosting possibilities.

Commenters say: Many highlight the significance of imaging a planet so close to a Sun-like star, while some note the challenges in confirming its existence.