A gas planet has been identified in the habitable zone of Alpha Centauri A, located just 4 light years from Earth. Direct imaging techniques using the James Webb Space Telescope's Mid-Infrared Instrument allowed astronomers to capture this planet, a feat challenging due to the glare of its host star. The potentially record-breaking proximity of the planet to its star raises the interest of astronomers, who previously identified other planets in this system through indirect methods. The team confirmed the observation after extensive data reanalysis, ensuring it was not mere distortion of starlight.
"When a planet orbits close to its host star, astronomers struggle to see it against the star's glare. That makes it especially difficult to spot a planet that is in the habitable zone."
"I was in complete awe. I had to take a moment of silence to appreciate what I was seeing."
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