A crowdfunding campaign has been launched for an ambitious space telescope project to take the first photo of an Earth-like exoplanet in Alpha Centauri, which is the nearest star system to our planet.

Known as Project Blue, this space research organization behind the project are aiming to capture never-before-seen images of observable planets outside the solar system with the help of a new, small space telescope that will be launched in lower Earth orbit. This telescope is light and will focus on Alpha Centauri A and B.

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According to Project Blue's Jon Morse, this project can help astronomers find a habitable planet similar to Earth. He added this is an incredible moment in history since we now have the technology to search for another Earth.

This mission will be open to the public. Everyone can be part of the discovery of a new Earth, Morse said.

The crowdfunding goal of Project Blue is US $1 million. If the amount is successfully raised, the technical stage of the mission will begin. Prizes will also be given to those who want to be involved in the project; from mission patches to apparel to educational resources and even the chance to meet the astronomers and scientists of Project Blue.

Project Blue's Kickstarter campaign will run until December 20.

According to Kickstarter's senior technology curation specialist, Nick Yulman, it is very inspiring to see when the crowdfunding community supports ambitious scientific projects regarding space exploration and missions. Backers have the chance to become a part of groundbreaking scientific discoveries.