Observation 4.4: Astronomy Cast Episode 190

This episode discussed the Kepler Mission. Launched in May of 2009, the Kepler Mission had an expected minimum lifespan of 3 and a half years, and was launched with the intention of finding other earth like planets and, if possible, to discover planets bearing life. Almost immediately the mission made several notable discoveries. Within six weeks of the mission's launch, for example, five previously unknown planets were discovered, as well as the least dense planet yet discovered. Most importantly, however, as of February the Kepler Mission has discovered 54 planets which lay within the habitable zone of their star, a very exciting prospect.