Guest #1 April 25, 2007 This has long been the Holy Grail of Astronomy: the discovery of an Earth-like planet orbiting another star. It's not a done deal yet, but the evidence is very, very strong. Potentially habitable planet found By SETH BORENSTEIN, AP Science Writer 28 minutes ago WASHINGTON - For the first time astronomers have discovered a planet outside our solar system that is potentially habitable, with Earth-like temperatures, a find researchers described Tuesday as a big step in the search for "life in the universe." The planet is just the right size, might have water in liquid form, and in galactic terms is relatively nearby at 120 trillion miles away. But the star it closely orbits, known as a "red dwarf," is much smaller, dimmer and cooler than our sun. There's still a lot that is unknown about the new planet, which could be deemed inhospitable to life once more is known about it. And it's worth noting that scientists' requirements for habitability count Mars in that category: a size relatively similar to Earth's with temperatures that would permit liquid water. However, this is the first outside our solar system that meets those standards. ------------- mh ."The mouse does not know life until it is in the mouth of the cat." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Squeak 17 #2 April 25, 2007 3 posts upYou are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky) My Life ROCKS! How's yours doing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest #3 April 25, 2007 Quote 3 posts up *&%# repost police! hehehe mh ."The mouse does not know life until it is in the mouth of the cat." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
