The Digital Press

This article maps and describes the 33 star systems within 12.5 light years of the Sun, focusing mostly on red dwarfs and nearby notable stars.

Why it matters: Understanding nearby stars helps inform space exploration and the search for exoplanets or life beyond Earth.

The big picture: Most stars near us are faint red dwarfs, with familiar stars like Proxima Centauri and Alpha Centauri forming key local systems.

The stakes: Probes to these stars would take decades or centuries, challenging current technology but promising unprecedented scientific knowledge.

Commenters say: Readers reminisce about interactive 3D star maps and emphasize the long-term goal of sending probes to nearby stars despite long mission times.