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Astronomers Searching 86 Planets for Aliens

SETI project collecting data on planets likeliest to harbor life

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted May 14, 2011 10:08 AM CDT

(Newser) – American astronomers are searching for signs of alien life on 86 possible Earth-like planets deemed the likeliest to harbor life. The massive Green Bank radio telescope in rural West Virginia will home in on each of the 86—chosen from 1,235 possible planets located by NASA's Kepler telescope—and collect 24 hours of data from each one, reports the AFP.

The mission is part of the SETI project, which was forced to close down a major part of its efforts last month because of budget cuts. "We've picked out the planets with nice temperatures—between zero and 100 degrees Celsius—because they are a lot more likely to harbor life," a veteran SETI researcher says. The project, expected to take up to a year, will be aided by a million volunteers who will help process the data on their home computers. (And in other planetary news...)

The Green Bank Telescope is the largest fully steerable radio telescope on Earth. (Wikipedia)

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Observer

May 16, 2011 6:08 PM CDT

There was a conference in DC (near Dulles Airport) about 3 years ago that produced agreement among the scientists that there would be the confirmed discovery and announcement of alien life forms within years. Proving the Earth self-replicating life forms are not alone. Religion is hogwash. Biochemistry is consistent in the known universe. This also proves that God is a tiresome Fable. Adam and Eve is a sex toys company and Hell is a dumpy town in Michigan. The CIA believes that this realization will cause social disruption due to collapse of belief systems. I think it's a hellava good reason to party and chase women!

Rugal10

May 16, 2011 9:58 AM CDT

I really hope we do find intelligent life. It would be an epochal moment in human history. But I wouldn't be surprised if it would lead to potential conflict.

Matt2h

May 14, 2011 10:26 PM CDT

Isn't the expression "hone in"?

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Astronomers Searching 86 Planets for Aliens

SETI project collecting data on planets likeliest to harbor life

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

astronomy • extraterrestrial life • aliens • exoplanet • SETI • astronomer

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