NASA launching a new Space telescope "KEPLER" from Cape C. today 3/6... will follow progress after last mission failed to separate.. JM
KEPLER Launch
Started by Midnight Sun, 03/06/2009 04:04PM
Posted 03/06/2009 04:04PM
Opening Post
Posted 03/09/2009 11:40PM
#1
UPDATE: Cape Canaveral, Fla. Kepler (named after the German 17th century astrophysicist) successfully lifted off at 2249hrs under a waxing moon.
Kepler's mission will last 3.5 yrs. at the cost of $600 million.
The goal of the mission is to locate Earth-like planets circling stars in the so-called habitable zone.
Orbits where liquid water could be present on the surface of the planets. That would mean there are lots of places out there for life to evolve...
Once Kepler has settled into an Earth-trailing orbit around the Sun, It will stare nonstop at over 100,000 stars near CYGNUS and LYRA.... between 600 and 3000 light yrs away. The telescope will watch for and dimming, or winks, (possible orbiting planets)
Kepler's mission will last 3.5 yrs. at the cost of $600 million.
The goal of the mission is to locate Earth-like planets circling stars in the so-called habitable zone.
Orbits where liquid water could be present on the surface of the planets. That would mean there are lots of places out there for life to evolve...
Once Kepler has settled into an Earth-trailing orbit around the Sun, It will stare nonstop at over 100,000 stars near CYGNUS and LYRA.... between 600 and 3000 light yrs away. The telescope will watch for and dimming, or winks, (possible orbiting planets)
Posted 03/10/2009 12:18AM
#2
John Meiners said:
NASA launching a new Space telescope "KEPLER" from Cape C. today 3/6... will follow progress after last mission failed to separate.. JM
Sponsor a star ... http://whitedwarf.org/palebluedot/
Regards,
Louis Marchesi
[COLOR="Gray"]New London Township, PA[/COLOR]
Funding Member
