What major physical characteristic is highly probable for Proxima b due to its close orbit?
Answer
Tidal locking
Due to its exceptionally close proximity to its primary star, Proxima Centauri, Proxima b is highly probable to be tidally locked. Tidal locking means that the planet’s rotation has synchronized with its orbital period, resulting in one hemisphere perpetually facing the star, resulting in intense, unrelenting heat, while the opposite hemisphere remains in eternal night, experiencing extreme cold. This condition fundamentally challenges surface habitability, requiring a thick atmosphere to redistribute heat effectively.
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