[kenhikage (OP)]

Have you read about Gliese 581 g? Apparently it is within the habitable zone of a red dwarf. Despite intense temperatures caused by probable tidal locking, there are circumstances in which life could come about on this planet. This is especially true if water is present, and given the seeming ubiquity of water it's not unlikely.

My question is, given tidal locking, wouldn't the lack of a magnetic field (or even the existence of a too-weak magnetic field) combined with red dwarfs' propensity for intense flaring quickly destroy any life that gained footing?

[chris]

It's actually a red dwarf rather than a red giant, Ken.

Later today we'll be publishing an interview with the co-discoverer, Steven Vogt of UC Santa Cruz. I'll post a link when the podcast goes live.

Chris

[kenhikage (OP)]

Ah, thanks for that correction, Dr. Chris. As made obvious by my second paragraph I had meant to type dwarf. Apologies.

Didn't I just hear that interview today? I listen to many podcasts, so I'm afraid I get them a bit confused. Thanks either way.