Planetary holy grail

    A new rocky planet, similar to earth, orbiting a star called Gliese 581, has been discovered. This new planet is in the ‘habitable zone’ and may have water. What can we learn from it and can it sustain life?

    A new rocky planet, similar to earth, orbiting a star called Gliese 581, has been discovered. This new planet is in the ‘habitable zone’ and may have water. What can we learn from it and can it sustain life? Are we getting closer to the planetary holy grail? When you think about how planets are created.. what recipe comes to mind? A little hydrogen, a little helium…what else? Also find out what to look for in the night sky this week.

    (Photo: European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere)

    Listen:
    [audio:st20090427.mp3]

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