Experts spot smallest planet outside solar system

Source
BBC Article

GENEVA – Scientists say they've identified a sun-like star with as many as seven different planets — including one that might be the smallest ever found outside the solar system.

If confirmed, the planetary system around HD 10180, a star more than 100 light years distant, would be the richest ever discovered. One astronomer says it's part of a growing body of evidence that the universe is full of planets — and that a bunch of them could be similar to our own.

Not sure if this is the big news NASA was going to release ATS thread - NASA Announcement. Still, another step in the right direction. This discoveryc came from the ESO (European), and not NASA.

I am thinking , with the pace of recent planetary discoveries, that the "are we alone" question might be answered.

"This field has gone from zero to close to 500 planets in just 15 years," he said. "Fifteen years we did not know about the big guys. Earth-like planets are going to be quite commonplace."

ESO Information

For those instrested in what Kepler is designed for:
Kepler Home Page - NASA
Kepler Discoveries to date

MODS - If this has been posted, please feel free to lock / remove. I did a search and did not come across this article on here.

Edit - Added link to ATS thread about NASA announcement.

[edit on 24-8-2010 by Xcathdra]

another oooooo aaaahhh disappointment.

NASA is probably finding earth like planets all the time with this thing. Instead of going to the media though, they plop the info straight into the top secret section.

They do need to release some discoveries you know... To quiet the sheeple.

reply to post by sliceNodice


there is gonna be an ET revolution!!

reply to post by sliceNodice


who and what is nasa-do we care what they have to say anymore?? i guess we do...so slow at the draw though...usa populace will once again be the last to know...what the EF is up with that??

reply to post by sliceNodice


no your just clueless on how the telescope works. First kepler cant tell what the planets are like , if they have water , oxygen , life etc. It can only tell us the size & orbit.

To detect an earth-sized planet in an Earth like orbit around a star like our sun will take 3 years of data collection. Its impossible for them to do it sooner.