The Search for Earth-like planets

Listen

Hour 2

Last week, astronomers announced they had found a planet seven times the size of Earth and with a habitable climate.  This Super-Earth orbits dwarf star HD 40307 and is just 43 million light years away (one light year is roughly 5.9 trillion miles).  In October, star gazing scientists had announced another planetary discovery in the Alpha Centauri star system, the system closest to our sun.  Alpha Centauri B b, as it’s been named, shares some characteristics with Earth including size and mass but its surface is likely molten lava since its orbit is a little too close to its sun.  These discoveries have excited scientists who say its further proof that there are planets in the Universe a lot like Earth.  Science writer MICHAEL LEMONICK followed these new discoveries closely and has just published a book on exoplanets called “Mirror Earth: The Search for Our Planet’s Twin.”  Marty talks to Lemonick about his book and the recent what the discoveries tell us about the Universe.


Listen to the mp3

Listen:
[audio: 111212_110630.mp3]

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal