The Kepler Mission
Monday, April 26, 2010 - 15:30
in Astronomy & Space
(PhysOrg.com) -- Since the first planet around another star (an "extrasolar planet") was discovered by SAO astronomers and others in 1989, over 450 extrasolar planets have been found. Their study now comprises a whole new field of astronomy, one which has revolutionized our understanding of planets and planetary systems, and enabled scientists to begin to place the earth into a broader context.