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General Discussion => Science & Nature => Topic started by: Clive on December 20, 2011, 22:31

Title: First Earth-sized planets spotted
Post by: Clive on December 20, 2011, 22:31
Astronomers have detected the first Earth-sized planets, which are orbiting a star similar to our own Sun.  In the distant past they may have been able to support life and one of them may have had conditions similar to our own planet - a so-called Earth-twin - according to the research team.  :laugh:  :laugh:  :laugh:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16268950

Title: Re: First Earth-sized planets spotted
Post by: Simon on December 20, 2011, 22:38
Didn't we have this the other day?  Anyway, what's so funny?  I believe them!  We can't be the only life form in the entire Universe!   ;D
Title: Re: First Earth-sized planets spotted
Post by: Clive on December 20, 2011, 22:43
The previous one orbited a different star called Kepler 22.  The reason its amusing is because the planets are so close to their star that they will be fried. 
Title: Re: First Earth-sized planets spotted
Post by: Simon on December 20, 2011, 22:44
Like us, then?   :laugh:
Title: Re: First Earth-sized planets spotted
Post by: Clive on December 20, 2011, 22:47
We are just sunk.   ;D
Title: Re: First Earth-sized planets spotted
Post by: sam on December 20, 2011, 23:11
yeah the one the other day was in the "goldilocks" zone.. i.e. not to cold, not to hot - just about right for life to exist - like the Earth really. These are lower mass, so smaller planets more like our own. Kepler 22b was about 2x the mass of the Earth. Still all interesting stuff, though some of this all seems oddly premature - gone are the days of vigorous follow up before it hits the press.
Title: Re: First Earth-sized planets spotted
Post by: Simon on December 20, 2011, 23:20
Hell, why wait?   ;D
Title: Re: First Earth-sized planets spotted
Post by: sam on December 21, 2011, 10:15
not really how science should happen.. like the cern thing last week too.
Title: Re: First Earth-sized planets spotted
Post by: Clive on December 21, 2011, 15:16
Publish in haste, repent at leisure.   :laugh: