How close is the nearest star to the sun (in light years)?

The nearest star to the Sun is Proxima Centauri, which is located approximately 4.22 light years away. This distance is measured in light years, which is the distance that light travels in one year. Proxima Centauri is part of the Alpha Centauri star system and, in fact, is the closest known star to our solar system.

This understanding of stellar distances is important in astronomy, as it allows us to comprehend the vastness of space and how other stars are situated relative to our own solar system. Knowing that Proxima Centauri is 4.22 light years away gives us context when discussing interstellar travel and the scale of our galaxy.