Which star is known as the nearest star to Earth?

Proxima Centauri is the nearest star to Earth, located approximately 4.24 light-years away in the Alpha Centauri star system. This red dwarf star is part of a triple star system that includes Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B. Its proximity to our solar system makes it a subject of significant interest, particularly in the field of exoplanet research, as it has at least one confirmed planet, Proxima Centauri b, which lies within the star's habitable zone.

The distance of Proxima Centauri is much shorter than that of the other stars listed. For example, Alpha Cassiopeiae, Pollux, and Vega are all much farther away from Earth, making them less relevant when discussing the closest stellar neighbors. Vega is about 25 light-years away, Pollux is around 34 light-years distant, and Alpha Cassiopeiae is even further. Therefore, Proxima Centauri's status as the nearest star is well established based on its measuring proximity in astronomical terms.