Meaning: A 'planet' is a celestial body that orbits a star, in this case, Proxima Centauri.

Wrong options:

• space: The term 'space' is a noun that refers to the vast expanse beyond Earth, which does not fit as it does not describe a specific object seen near the star.
• partnership: 'Partnership' is a noun that refers to a collaborative relationship, which is irrelevant in this context of astronomical discovery.
• development: 'Development' is a noun that refers to the process of growth or advancement, which does not fit as it does not describe an object.
• study: 'Study' is a noun that refers to the act of examining something, which does not fit as it does not describe a celestial body.

Correct answer: support

Explanation: The verb 'support' fits grammatically as it is an action that the planet is believed to be capable of, aligning with the context of discussing the potential for human life.

Meaning: 'Support' means to provide the necessary conditions for something to exist or thrive, in this case, human life.

Wrong options:

• space: 'Space' is a noun that does not convey an action and does not fit in the context of what the planet could do.
• partnership: 'Partnership' is a noun that does not fit as it does not describe an action related to the potential of the planet.
• development: 'Development' is a noun that does not fit as it does not describe an action that the planet could perform.
• study: 'Study' is a noun that does not convey an action and does not fit in the context of what the planet could do.

Correct answer: development

Explanation: The noun 'development' fits grammatically as it serves as the subject of the clause, referring to the advancements that have enabled the discoveries. It aligns contextually with the theme of technological progress in astronomy.

Meaning: 'Development' refers to the process of creating or improving something, in this case, technology for astronomical observation.

Wrong options:

• space: 'Space' is a noun that does not fit as it does not describe a process or advancement related to technology.
• partnership: 'Partnership' is a noun that does not relate to technological advancements and does not fit in this context.
• study: 'Study' is a noun that refers to the act of examining something, which does not fit as it does not describe a process of advancement.
• universe: 'Universe' is a noun that refers to all of space and time, which does not fit as it does not describe a process or advancement.

Correct answer: universe

Explanation: The noun 'universe' fits grammatically as it serves as the object of the clause, referring to the vast expanse of space that we are learning more about. It aligns contextually with the overarching theme of astronomical exploration.

Meaning: 'Universe' refers to all of space and everything in it, including stars, planets, and galaxies.

Wrong options:

• space: 'Space' is a noun that refers to the area beyond Earth but does not encompass the entirety of celestial bodies and phenomena as 'universe' does.
• partnership: 'Partnership' is a noun that refers to a collaborative relationship, which is irrelevant in this context of astronomical discovery.
• development: 'Development' is a noun that refers to the process of growth or advancement, which does not fit as it does not describe the entirety of celestial bodies.
• study: 'Study' is a noun that refers to the act of examining something, which does not fit as it does not describe the vastness of celestial bodies.