Article Summary

In the science text titled Are we alone in the universe? Maybe not! by Seth Borenstein focuses on the possibilities in search of extraterrestrial life and the search of planets like Earth. First, Borenstein points out that astronomers have confirmed a three or four planets that are in the not-too-cold, not-too-hot zone for liquid water to form. These planets can be to about 500 to 1,100 light years away. A light year is approximately 5.9 trillion miles. Next, Borenstein informs readers that astronomers are a bit closer to finding twins of Earth and answering the question Are we alone? Guillermo Torres, an astronomer, says they are looking for signs of life but it will take many years. Also, Borenstein reports that the known number of planets no bigger than twice the size of Earth and in the habitable temperature zone falls to about 8 or 9 planets. In addition, Borenstein mentions that there are two new planets that are closest to Earths size. Kepler #1 is 12% larger than Earth and gets more energy from its star which would make it warmer. Kepler #2 is 34% bigger than Earth and receives two thirds the energy from its sun as we do. Finally, Borenstein concludes by an announcement from NASA stating that their planet hunter telescope has confirmed its 1,000th planet out side our solar system. That gives astronomers more than 1,800 planets discovered out side our solar system.