Astronomers Discover Another Planet Earth

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Pic courtesy of www.nasa.gov
Pic courtesy of www.nasa.gov

Is it true?  Have astronomers found another earth-like planet revolving around a dwarf star?  Well it looks that way.  While other “Earth-like” planets have been discovered before, a brand new one is generating lots of excitement in astronomy circles because of how very Earth-like it actually is. Kepler-186f, is about 10% bigger than our planet and thought to be in the not-too-hot and not-too-cold range that would make water—and life—possible.

“This is the best case for a habitable planet yet found,” says a Berkeley astronomer not involved with the discovery. “The results are absolutely rock solid.” The planet is about 490 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus, and it circles a red dwarf star, reportsAP. One known difference: Its year is only about 130 days.

“One of the things we’ve been looking for is maybe an Earth twin, which is an Earth-size planet in the habitable zone of a sunlike star,” Kepler scientist Tom Barclay tellsSpace.com. This one largely fits the bill. “So, while it’s not an Earth twin, it is perhaps an Earth cousin.” A SETI Institute researcher tells the Atlantic that the idea of finding alien life is “no longer in the realm of science fiction.” That’s because even if Kepler-186f proves to be a bust in the life-supporting department, its discovery suggests that lots more similar planets are out there waiting to be found, reports the LA Times. It quotes another SETI researcher calling this a “tip-of-the-iceberg discovery.”

Now one can only hope that someone will come up with a new name for Kepler-186f.  How about “Haven” because the inhabitants of Earth are going to need one after human generated greenhouse gases finally warm the planet to the point where life can no longer survive.

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Professor Mike

Professor Mike is a left-leaning, dog loving, political junkie. He has written dozens of articles for Substack, Medium, Simily, and Tribel. Professor Mike has been published at Smerconish.com, among others. He is a strong proponent of the environment, and a passionate protector of animals. In addition he is a fierce anti-Trumper. Take a moment and share his work.
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Sam Ghazal
9 years ago

You guys made my day with these comments I swear:p Is it me or did anyone of you notice How old the Keplerians would be since their year lasts 130 days? :p its like a normal earth baby would be 4 months and a couple of days old but a Keplerian baby would be a year old:p
Well dont mind me guys, havwnt slept in 36hs excuse my non sense

Bill Formby
9 years ago

I got you all beat. I am going the route of the ads that used to be on the back of comic books. I am going sell square inches for a quarter each.

Reply to  Professor Mike
9 years ago

Somebody take my money. I want beach front inches!

What do you mean you don’t take Monopoly money?

Marsha Woerner
9 years ago

And so the price wars begin… 🙂

9 years ago

Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity. Get your Keplerian real estate now, before it’s too late. Simply go to givememoneynow.com and for as little as $100.00 (down payment) you too can own a piece of the prettiest little planet this side of Andromeda. Make checks payable to BitcoDavid Enterprises, Cayman Islands. Hurry, these deals won’t last!

Reply to  Professor Mike
9 years ago

We could join forces and become UnitedKeplerCartel.com 🙂

9 years ago

Of course, the Keplerians might have a different point of view.

…But hell,

…so did the Indians.

9 years ago

Hello Warp drive! Let’s all go there. Maybe it’ll only take 25,000 years to totally f*ck that one up, as opposed to the 50,000 it took us, here.

9 years ago

Science dazzles the mind into the realm of possibilities. Now all we have to do is find a way to fold space to make the commute just a little bit shorter than 490 light years.

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