In recent years, astronomers have amassed data suggesting the possibility of an Earth-size planet orbiting Alpha Centauri b.

天文学家近年来搜集的数据显示，可能存在一颗地球那么大的行星，在围绕半人马座阿尔法星b旋转。

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The new planet around Alpha Centauri B matches Earth only in terms of its mass - making it among the smallest exoplanets we know of.

BBC: Exoplanet around Alpha Centauri is nearest-ever

But careful measurements over four years showed that the planet whips around Alpha Centauri B in just 3.6 days, and is estimated to have a surface temperature of about 1, 200C.

BBC: Exoplanet around Alpha Centauri is nearest-ever

"Alpha Centauri B is of course a very special case - it's our next door neighbour, " said Stephane Udry of the Observatory in Geneva and senior author of the paper.

BBC: Exoplanet around Alpha Centauri is nearest-ever