Astronomy magazine podcast: New exoplanet

Senior Editor Rich Talcott explains what the discovery of a new exoplanet means for the search for other Earths.
By | Published: April 26, 2007 | Last updated on May 18, 2023

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

The Planetary System in Gliese 581
Artist’s impression of the planetary system around the red dwarf Gliese 581. Using the instrument HARPS on the ESO 3.6m telescope, astronomers have uncovered 3 planets, all of relative low-mass: 5, 8 and 15 Earth masses. The five Earth-mass planet makes a full orbit around the star in 13 days, the other two in 5 and 84 days.
ESO
April 26, 2007
Astronomers have discovered the most earthlike planet outside our solar system to date, an exoplanet with a radius only 50% larger than the Earth and possibly having liquid water on its surface.

In this week’s show, Rich Talcott tells you all we know about this new discovery.

After you listen, e-mail us here and let us know what you think.

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