Proxima Centauri is the closest star to Earth other than the Sun and it has an exoplanet in orbit around it. Its distance is about 4 ½ light-years from Earth, a light-year being about 6 trillion miles. Voyager, the fastest spacecraft we have ever launched, is traveling through space as a velocity of about 40,000 miles per hour. How long will Voyager take to reach this star and planet? Based on your answer, discuss whether space travel at this speed is an efficient way for humans to search for life on distant planets.

Proxima Centauri is the closest star to Earth other than the Sun and it has an exoplanet in orbit around it. Its distance is about 4 ½ light-years from Earth, a light-year being about 6 trillion miles. Voyager, the fastest spacecraft we have ever launched, is traveling through space as a velocity of about 40,000 miles per hour. How long will Voyager take to reach this star and planet? Based on your answer, discuss whether space travel at this speed is an efficient way for humans to search for life on distant planets.