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Sky Guys: Hopes for Hospitable Exo-Planets

NASA/JPL-Caltech
The TRAPPIST-1 system contains a total of seven planets, all around the size of Earth. Three of them -- TRAPPIST-1e, f and g -- dwell in their star's so-called "habitable zone"? (shown here in green)."

Last month, NASA announced the discovery of a seven-planet system called TRAPPIST-1, just 39 light-years from our Sun.  The Sky Guys will  discuss why this system might give hope for other habitable planets beyond our solar system.  And SpaceX announces that two people have already put down a deposit for a trip to the moon and back in 2018.  Plus a look at NASA's research into the effects of space travel on humans, and how you can join the search for Planet 9.

GUESTS:

  • Mal Cameron - Former astronomy and space educator at the McAuliffe Shepard Discovery Center and coordinator of its NASA Educator Resource Center.
  • John Gianforte – Co-founder of the "Astronomical Society" of northern New England and astronomy instructor for Granite State College and UNH.

Click on this link: the Trappist-1 system has it's own website.

Credit NASA/JPL-Caltech
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NASA/JPL-Caltech
An artist's rendition of what the surface of TRAPPIST-1f would look like.

 

Credit NASA
/
NASA
Identical twins, Scott and Mark Kelly, are the subjects of NASA’s Twins Study. Scott (left) spent a year in space while Mark (right) stayed on Earth as a control subject. Researchers are looking at the effects of space travel on the human body.

 NASA is looking for volunteers to help in the search for Planet Nine.  If you would like to be involved in the search, go to Backyardworlds.org.   

For a little primer on Planet Nine, here’s Astronomy magazine editor-in-chief David J. Eicher:

On August 21st, there will be a total lunar eclipse. Check out this guide to the best places to watch, and to follow the path. 

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