Scientists discover binary star system very close to Earth

According to NASA, astronomers at Pennsylvania State University, using data from the WISE Space Telescope, have been able to identify a binary star system just 6.5 light years from our Solar System. According to the space agency, these are the closest stars to us discovered in almost a century, and the third closest system to the sun that is known.

The system is formed by two brown dwarf stars, which are characterized by being cold and dim. So instead of looking like the sun, they look more like a giant planet like Jupiter, for example. For this reason, although so close, the pair of stars is not visible in the sky.

Scientists have named the two stars WISE J1049-5319 A and B, and believe the discovery offers an excellent opportunity to search for new planets given their proximity to Earth. Also, since this is the third closest system to the Solar System - behind only Alpha Centauri, 4.4 light years, and Proxima Centauri, 4.2 light years - it is possible that in the distant future it become one of the manned mission destinations.