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
294-Dangerous Duo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Large unknown potentially dangerous asteroids are still out there.
293-From Luna [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
A rock blasted from the Moon by the impact of an asteroid or comet may be on its way to Earth.
292-Disintegrating Comet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
A comet is producing a 3,000 mile long trail of debris as it slowly comes apart.
291-Rose Rules [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Anyone who thinks women can't do computers and science needs to meet my Catalina Sky Survey teammate Rose Matheny.
290-Screaming Aten [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
An interesting object is spotted streaking across the night sky at the rate of 17 full moon diameters per day.
289-Strange Comet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
A new comet is likely to have the characteristics of a really weird traveler in the night.
287-Heavenly Palace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
China is challenging America's historical preeminence in space exploration.
286-Neighboring World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Astronomers have discovered an Earth sized planet orbiting the closest star to our Sun.
285-Mars Impactors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
A given piece of ground on Mars is more likely to be hit by a space rock than is an equal sized area on planet Earth. Someday Martian tourists may be treated to super meteor storms.