IMP Discusses The Discovery OfNasa’sKepler Space Telescope That Found 'New Earth.’

IMP investigates a planet called Kepler 22b is more like Earth than any yet discovered and has been identified as a potential future home for mankind.Kepler 22b, which is 600 light years away and was discovered using Nasa'sKepler telescope which is on board the Kepler spacecraft.William Borucki, principal Keplar investigator at Nasa Ames Research Centre, said it was a "privilege" to unveil the discovery of the new planet.“We are certain that it is in the habitable zone and if it has a surface it ought to have a nice temperature,” Mr Borucki said.IMP was excited to hear about the new discovery with the Managing Director of IMP saying, ‘what an important discovery, at the rate that the population is growing, who knows that the next 50 years will look like for our planet earth.’

The planet contains both land and water and has a "similar temperature to that of the Earth" of around 72 degrees (22 Celsius).It is 2.4 times the size of Earth and has a slightly shorter orbit than our planet, of 290 days.

There are now three planets outside the system, known as exoplanets, which experts believe could potentially be colonised by future generations.In May, French astronomers identified Gliese 581d, pronounced “gleezer”, which is far closer at around 20 light years away.A source from IMP goes further to say, ‘it’s a strange concept that only a few years ago did the internet become available to the public and now technology enables us to identify planets light years away and examining whether that might become our new home.’

In other related articles scientists have found 15 planets and 30 moons which could be habitable. A catalogue of habitable worlds is being compiled by scientists as soaring numbers of ''exoplanets'' are detected among the stars.Scientists have found hundreds of planets but believe most of gas giants like Jupiter which would not be able to support life.

One of the key criteria for a planet to be habitable is that it remains roughly the right distance from its main star to be neither too cold nor too hot. This range of ideal temperatures is known to scientists as the “Goldilocks” zone, as the temperature is “just right” for life.

Kepler 22b is the right distance from its star to have water, has a suitable temperature and contains the right atmosphere to potentially support life.

However, Kepler 22b, which was first seen in 2009, is the first the US space agency has been able to confirm as a potential new home for mankind.Confirmation means that astronomers have seen it crossing in front of its star three times.However, it does not signify that astronomers know whether life actually exists there, simply that the conditions are right.The thought that there is life out there beyond what we know is fascinating, the Director of IMP comments says, ‘I will definitely keep my eyes on news reports like this. It is difficult to even imagine what could be discovered in the next 10 years about what is really out there.’

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/8937173/Nasas-Kepler-space-telescope-finds-new-Earth.html