Search for other Earth-like...

worlds commences as NASA's Kepler spacecraft begins its immense exoplanet hunt. One hundred thousand (100,000) stars will be closely scrutinized during the next 3.5 years by this dedicated telescope, looking for a periodic dimming in the brightness of each, presumably due to an orbiting planetary body. The instrument may be able to detect planets the size of Earth and thus a census of such worlds can be compiled.

Isn't science cool? Perhaps I'm biased.

Previous related post: How common are Earth-like planets?

I reiterate my earlier prediction: terrestrial (rocky) planets will be found to be common around Population I G-class stars such as our Sun.