As usual, we have a premature "science by news release" announcement of some big "discovery", such as "life could exist near Star X!" screaming from the newspaper headlines.
But wait a moment, didn't we learn in basic astronomy class that Proxima Cen is a flare star, subject to supergiant outbursts of high energy radiation, and thus arguably causing its near-star region to be inhospitable to life?
(Edit: oops. sorry, Ron. I hadn't realized you had already mentioned that Proxima is a flare star, so I forgot to credit you)
Well here is a good writeup of what is known about the nasty near-star environment of Proxima, due to its giant flares;
http://www.ifweassume.com/2016/08/fl...oxima-cen.html
Incidentally, this is an example of excellent science being done with a nifty micro-space-telescope of only 15cms aperture. The little Canadian 'scope is called MOST.
cheers,
galaxyman
Scientists unfortunately have reason to make these "big ticket" public announcements, lest they be beaten to the punch by another team, or because these big discoveries are nearly always leaked before the official announcement of the discovery is made. At worst, this becomes "science by press release"...... remember cold fusion? remember "life on Mars meteorite" screaming from the headlines?