The star Epsilon Eridani has long been known to humanity, but only recently have we begun to learn about the system that orbits it. Scientists have confirmed that the star is orbited by an inner asteroid belt, an outer asteroid belt, and a dust disk farther out. This dust disk is similar in nature to the Kuiper Belt that encircles our own solar system.

​The habitable zone of the system lies inside the inner asteroid belt, which is also true for our solar system. Although we do not yet have the capability to determine if any exoplanets orbit in the habitable zone, the numerous similarities between the Epsilon Eridani System and our own make scientists eager to find out. ​
​​The system has a confirmed exoplanet, Epsilon Eridani b, which orbits outside the inner asteroid belt and is a gas giant. Many scientists believe data point to a second exoplanet orbiting outside the outer asteroid belt. Without confirmation, it remains an "exoplanet candidate," but it is already referred to as Epsilon Eridani c. (In a single star system, the star is designated as A and any exoplanets are designated with small letters beginning with b and proceeding alphabetically in the order in which they are discovered.) ​
An 1801 celestial map by Johann Elert Bode, which shows the constellations:
Cetus the Sea Monster or Whale
Eridanus the River
Sculptor the Sculptor's Workshop
More information about this map and these constellations is available at skytonight.org.
Video about the Epsilon Eridani System by Learning Curve Science (science teacher in the UK), 2022.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES​
What is Epsilon Eridani?
by Michael Anissimov
An introductory overview of discoveries, including exoplanet possibilities and the microwave emissions from water molecules that have been found in the system.  Last updated May 2024.
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A Massimo Marenga Blog Entry
about the SOFIA flight that produced imagery revealing the structure of the Epsilon Eridani System. SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) is a Boeing 474SP aircraft carrying a large reflecting telescope and flying high enough in the stratosphere to escape 99% of our atmosphere's infrared-blocking capability.
Navigating the Celestial River Through Our Skies
by Dennis Mammana
for the Stargazers column in Noozhawk, February 2019. An article about seeing the constellation Eridanus in the night sky with a focus on the star Epsilon Eridani and its possible planetary system. 
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