Our Stellar Neighborhood: Finding a New Earth

The dream of a new world begins with a destination. Decades of research have transformed our cosmic backyard from a few points of light into a rich catalog of stars and planets.

Interactive 3D map of nearby star systems. Click and drag to rotate, scroll to zoom.

The Local Census

Our local space is dominated by red dwarf stars. While common, their volatility and the tidal locking of their planets pose significant challenges to habitability.

The Planetary Zoo

The most common planets are Super-Earths and Mini-Neptunes. We have also found rocky, Earth-sized planets like Proxima Centauri b.

The Next Step

Using the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists are now analyzing exoplanet atmospheres for biosignatures—the chemical hints of life.