Planets on the BBC
The terrestrials, giants, dwarfs, and extrasolars all featured on BBC Radio 5 live with Colin Murray
Last night on BBC Radio 5 live, the Monday Night Fan Club on Colin Murray’s show was dedicated to planets. Expert opinion on the terrestrial inner planets came from Dr. Hannah Sargeant, who skilfully explained the differences between Mercury and Venus and navigated a size comparison of a 10p coin with an aspirin (who can guess which planets these refer to?). Steve Owens covered the giant planets and their moons, and K.J. Field ensured Pluto and its fellow dwarf planets weren’t overlooked.
I was tasked with explaining all of extrasolar planets in about fifteen minutes — which Colin briefly described as “planets yet to be discovered” — listen for yourself if you want to know how that went, but I am pleased I managed to squeeze in a mention of dinosaurs.
True astronomer aficionado’s are up late at night, but if you did miss it yesterday you can listen to the segment here. Planets encompass the last hour, starting at 2:04:30 and they make for an entertaining and educational hour of radio. Start at 2:47:00 if all you care for are the exoplanets. Leave your feedback and questions in the comment section, as long as you don’t call me Steve.