381E-417-Red Dwarf Planets

381E-417-Red Dwarf Planets

Author: Albert D. Grauer March 24, 2026 Duration: 2:01
Astronomers continue to be delighted when they discover an Earth sized planet. Scientists were thus very disappointed when the red dwarf star hosting the nearest such planet, Proxima b some 4.2 light years away, turns out to have the nasty habit of emitting bursts of radiation which are likely to sterilize and/or remove the atmospheres of it's family of planets. Recently, hope of finding a nearby Earth was rekindled when scientists at the European Southern observatory in Chile discovered a small planet circling what appears to be a quiet well behaved red dwarf star 11 light years from us. Astronomers are not yet sure that this newly discovered Earth sized planet lies within it's stars habitable zone where liquid water could exist on it's surface. Jumping the gun, ET enthusiasts have beamed a friendly message in the direction of another nearby red dwarf planet system. Their target the super Earth planet, GJ 273b is located some 12.4 light years away near the bright star Sirius in the constellation of Canis Major. At this distance a civilization on GJ 273b could have already received a picture of humanity by deciphering 'I love Lucy' and other TV signals it has been picking up for 50 years or so. The next generation of very large telescopes will allow astronomers to search for the presence of oxygen and other molecules which indicate the presence of life in the atmospheres of nearby worlds. In the mean time we have more reasons to be thankful for what we have here on planet Earth. For Travelers in the Night this is Dr. Al Grauer. Go to travelersinthenight.org program 417 for more information.

Each episode of Travelers In The Night feels like a quiet, personal conversation under a dark sky. Hosted by astronomer Dr. Albert D. Grauer, this podcast brings the distant cosmos into sharp, intimate focus. Dr. Grauer isn't just an observer; he's an active participant in the hunt, working with the Catalina Sky Survey team that has consistently discovered near-Earth asteroids for years. In these brief and engaging segments, you'll hear firsthand accounts of what it's like to track these ancient celestial travelers-the asteroids and comets that silently pass by our world. The discussions move beyond simple facts to explore the real-world implications of these discoveries, from planetary defense to the sheer wonder of our dynamic solar system. Accompanied by the contemplative music of John Lyell's "Eternity," each installment offers a moment of calm reflection on humanity's place in the universe. It’s a perfect blend of grounded science and cosmic curiosity, making complex astronomical concepts accessible and deeply fascinating. For anyone who has ever looked up and wondered what's out there moving in the dark, this podcast provides a direct line to the front lines of discovery.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 1000

Travelers In The Night
Podcast Episodes
324-Newborn Planets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Astronomers are able to view the rare occurrence of planets in formation with the ALMA radio telescope in Chile.
323-Big Splash [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
An asteroid impacting into the ocean would create a big splash but not a tsunami.
322-Dust Stories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Tiny messengers from outer space enter our atmosphere every day. Collect your own beautiful micro-meteorite sample.
321-Dangereous Comet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Humanity should be ready in the unlikely but potentially catastrophic situation in which a comet comes out of nowhere and is heading for planet Earth.
320-WOW What a Ride [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
A potentially hazardous asteroid crosses the orbits of Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. It must be made of durable rocky material to survive its close approaches to the Sun.
319-Lost and Found [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
A 426 foot diameter asteroid is found after being lost for 15 years.
318-Caves of Mars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
It is intriguing to consider that deep inside Mars all of the necessary ingredients for life may be present together.
317-Psyche Water [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
The asteroid Psyche may be one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in the solar system.
316-Weird Centaur [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Centaurs are named after the mythical beasts which were half human and half horse perhaps because they have characteristics of both asteroids and comets.
315-See Comets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
2017 will be a good year to view comets with your unaided eye or a pair of binoculars.