Lähitähti

Lähitähti is a Finnish term that translates to "neighboring star" or "nearby star." In astronomy, it refers to a star that is relatively close to our solar system. The closest star to the Sun, for example, is Proxima Centauri, which is part of the Alpha Centauri system. These nearby stars are of significant interest to astronomers because they are easier to study in detail compared to more distant celestial objects. Their proximity allows for more precise measurements of their properties, such as their mass, size, temperature, and composition.

The study of lähitähdet plays a crucial role in understanding stellar evolution and the formation of planetary systems. By observing stars similar to our Sun in different stages of their life cycles, scientists can gain insights into how stars like our own formed and how their planets might have developed. Furthermore, some neighboring stars have been found to host exoplanets, some of which are located within their habitable zones. The search for and characterization of these exoplanets around nearby stars is a key objective in the ongoing quest to find life beyond Earth. Missions and telescopes are often designed to specifically target and observe these close stellar neighbors.