Astronomers boldly go in search of another Earth

Published on Friday 6 March 2009 21:02

ASTRONOMERS began the search for another Earth in earnest today with the launch of a powerful new space telescope.

Kepler, which is fitted with British-made light detectors, will offer the first chance of discovering whether habitable planets that may harbour life orbit distant stars.

Some experts believe our galaxy, the Milky Way, could be teeming with Earth-like worlds.

Nasa was due to launch the Kepler telescope for its three-and-a-half-year mission from Cape Canaveral, Florida, this morning. Carried on top of a Delta II rocket, it will be placed in an orbit trailing the Earth around the Sun. The 15ft telescope will focus on a patch of sky equivalent to the size of a human hand held at arm's length.

Scientists believe that, even at a conservative estimate, Kepler might discover about 500 Earth-like planets.