A Big Week For Astronomy

The Brian Lehrer Show | Dec 7, 2011

It's been a big week for astronomy, with the discovery of both a giant black hole, and a "new Earth" -- a planet with very earth-like qualities about 600 light years away. Phil Plait, aka "The Bad Astronomer" at Discover Magazine, discusses the latest.

Listeners, here's a little about the "new Earth":

  • this planet is 600 light-years away
  • it’s about 2.4 times the size of Earth
  • a year on this planet takes about 290 days
  • it has an average temperature of about 72 degrees Fahrenheit

Knowing this, what would you name the new planet? Let us know!

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

WNYC Homepage - Top Stories

The super PAC complicating the narrative for NYC progressives in Democratic primaries

What happens when a deep-pocketed super PAC promises a multimillion-dollar campaign to support progressive Democrats?
Gothamist |

A Memoir on Growing up in Gowanus, Before the Whole Foods

All Of It with Alison Stewart |

Bill Bradley on Knicks Fever and More

Bill Bradley talks about this year's NBA finals, reflects on his own championship season, and more.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

I.C.E.'s "Wartime Recruitment" Campaign

Hiring at the highest-funded U.S. law enforcement agency.
On the Media |
YOU ARE ONLINE