Part 2/8:
Despite its proximity, Proxima B poses numerous questions regarding its potential for life. Historically, astronomers have struggled with the complexities of simulating and analyzing this distant world. Proxima B's parent star, a red dwarf, emits extreme solar flares that could jeopardize any existing atmosphere, complicating theories around the planet's habitability.
Scientists have speculated about various planetary conditions—could Proxima B be tidally locked, with one side perpetually scorched by sunlight while the other is locked in darkness? Or, perhaps, a thick atmosphere or ocean could exist beneath dense cloud cover? The lack of clear answers about Proxima B's environment made the advent of quantum computing particularly exciting.