Proxima Centauri is the third star in the Alpha Centauri system. Its name reflects its distance from the center of the sector: Alpha Centauri A and B are in a close binary pair, revolving around a point in space on roughly the same plane. Proxima Centauri, however, is far from this pair and revolves around their gravitational center very slowly. It is also very dim, making it easy to miss with conventional telescope equipment.

The space within the influence of the Alpha Centauri stars is littered with debris. Comets of every shape and size orbit at irregular distances. Asteroids and planet fragments are everywhere in this system as well. While there are many theories that attempt to explain the presence of so much debris, the most likely theory was proposed by Doctor T'Ni, a Vulcan physicist. She believes that the "random, electron-like orbital configuration of the various objects in [this] system is likely the result of [millions of] years of 'close-calls' in which the Centauri system inherited matter from passing clouds of interstellar matter."

The fact that its satellites orbit in a sphere rather than on a plane makes this system worthy of caution. Navigation by spacecraft not equipped with a navigational shield array is not recommended.