Astronomers at NASA announced that they have discovered 10 new planets the same size as the Earth. Located outside our solar system, the planets are said to have rocky surfaces and may have liquid water.
According to an Inquirer report, the team of astronomers under the Kepler mission combed through all the data gathered by the spacetelescope and also found 219 potential planets outside our solar system. The Kepler Space Telescope was launched in 2009 to scan for new planets in the Milky Way Galaxy. Since 2009, the telescope has discovered over 4,000 potential planets.
Proof That We Are Not Alone, Says NASA
According to another report in the Guardian, one of the scientists said that this data may just answer the question if we are alone in the universe. These new discoveries may signify that we are after not alone.
The 10 new discoveries were estimated to be the same size as our planet. They were also observed to have parent stars around which they orbit. This may also mean that there is a possibility that water will pool on the surface if it can be found in the planet. Liquid water for astronomers is important to support life.
The total number of exoplanets that may likely support life like Earth is now pegged at 50.
New Ways Of Classifying Planets
Aside from looking for and finding new planets, the Kepler mission data also expanded the way scientists classified newly discovered planets. The new discoveries were observed to fall under two categories – those that are smaller and closer to Earth-size and have rocky surfaces, and those which are 2 to 3.5 times bigger have gas covering their atmosphere and are closer to Neptune’s size.
The Kepler study also is considered to be the “most complete and detailed survey of potential exoplanets compiled.” It is, however, the end of the Kepler mission. Starting next year, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite or TESS will continue scanning the galaxy for new exoplanets.