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Close Encounters of a Planetary Kind

Which planet is closest to Earth?

Which planet is closest to Earth? A BBC programme ‘The Sky at Night’ said it was Mars. But a listener isn't so sure. Tim Harford talks to David A. Rothery, professor of planetary geosciences at the Open University.

Producers: Ruth Alexander, Bethan Head
Presenter: Tim Harford

(Earth and surrounding planets/Getty images)

Available now

9 minutes

Last on

Tue 22 Jan 201902:50GMT
BBC World Service

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Broadcasts

  • Sat 19 Jan 201905:50GMT
    BBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & South Asia
  • Mon 21 Jan 201913:50GMT
    BBC World Service except News Internet
  • Tue 22 Jan 201902:50GMT
    BBC World Service

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    Tim Harford explains the numbers and statistics used in everyday life