# Alpha Centauri: Disc Dynamics, Planet Stability, Detectability
## 5 Discussion and Conclusions
### The Search for (Habitable) Exoplanets in Alpha Centauri  
The discovery of exoplanets in the Alpha Cen system could revolutionise our understanding of planet formation and characterisation. In this context, we highlight the meticulous search carried out by [PERSON] et al. [39] combining 10 years of radial velocity measurements (taken with the ES, HARPS, CHIRON, and UVES instruments) with N-body numerical simulations in order to discern hypothetical planetary signals from the observational noise. This study identified the detection thresholds for planets in the classically defined habitable zones for Alpha Cen A and B, as well as Proxima Centauri. The possible mass range for stable and detectable planets is up to several tens of Earth masses, which is in agreement with our analysis. According to the MEGNO indicator, we found that rocky planets could cover a wider range of semimajor axes and eccentricity values while remaining stable. Regarding planet detectability, we showcased the capabilities of state-of-the-art spectrographs at the highest resolution possible. Our results indicate that the detection of these small rocky planets in Alpha Cen is feasible in principle, with campaigns similar to [39] but using the maximum radial velocity resolutions allowed by the NEID and ESPRESSO spectrometers. Given its proximity to Earth, this triple stellar system represents the most feasible destination for future interstellar exploration missions, thereby offering a unique opportunity to study a planetary system in the solar vicinity. Various research initiatives, such as the Breakthrough Starshot project [7], aim to explore Alpha Centauri in greater detail. This ambitious endeavour plans to send miniature spacecraft to the system at approximately 20% the speed of light, thereby enabling them to arrive in just over two decades. Moreover, as a binary system, Alpha Centauri provides a natural laboratory to investigate the formation and stability of planets in habitable zones under complex gravitational and radiative influences. Previous works have already focused on the detection of planets within the circumstellar habitable zones of Alpha Cen [40] and references therein. Our results are in agreement with previous findings and indicate that Alpha Cen AB could host rocky planets similar to the ones in the inner Solar System. From an astrobiological perspective, finding such exoplanets would be highly relevant given the remarkable similarities in terms of physical characteristics of both stars to our Sun. Regarding Proxima Centauri, given its large distance from AB, we find that planets are highly stable around this red dwarf. Therefore, an S-type planetary system with habitable planets could thrive around it, e.g., see [41]. However, despite its potential for habitability and the recent detection of an exoplanet [7], Proxima Centauri is known for frequent stellar flares that could pose significant challenges to the emergence of life [42]. These flares release vast amounts of energy, thereby potentially capable of stripping away the atmospheres of nearby planets--thus heavily damaging hypothetical life forms similar to the ones found on Earth. At any rate, finding habitable planets around neighbour stars (like Alpha Centauri) would be crucial for humanity, as they would constitute a potential new homes beyond the Solar System. Therefore, the exploration of the Alpha Cen system, besides being relevant for the field of planet formation, is also important to secure our distant future in the cosmos. The authors contributed equally to this work in terms of conceptualisation, methodology, software, validation, and writing. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. This research was funded by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union Horizon Europe research and innovation program (grant agreement No. 101042275, project Stellar-MADE). [PERSON] acknowledges support from the ANID (Agencia Nacional de Investigacion y Desarrollo) through the FONDECYT postdoctoral 3210605.