NASA Rockets Explore Alpha Centauri

By Isabelle Parker

NASA is set to launch two rockets from Australia in July to investigate the ultra-violet light emanating from the Alpha Centauri system. The first rocket was launched on July 6th, and the second is set to launch on July 12th. Alpha Centuari consists of two primary planets, Alpha Centuari A and Alpha Centauri B, as well as a binary star named Proxima Centauri. Ultra-violet light is crucial for understanding what makes a planet habitable, as it is able to strip water vapor and leave the planet dry and barren. If the right amount is present, the light can cause simple molecules to reform into the complex molecules that are essential to life. The rockets will also find out whether the light is harmful to surrounding planets.

Study Author Brian Flemming Claims,

"Understanding ultraviolet radiation is extremely important to understanding what makes a planet habitable".