Milky Way galaxy home to 17 billion Earth-sized planets – studyJanuary 8, 2013 - 15:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Milky Way galaxy is home to at least 17 billion planets similar in size to Earth, a new estimate suggests, according to Belfast Telegraph. Not all are potentially habitable, but the huge number is a starting point in the search for worlds like our own. Scientists have yet to find a twin Earth - one that is not only the right size but also located in a zone that is not too hot and not too cold where water might exist in liquid form. Two independent groups came up with the new estimate after a fresh analysis of data gathered by Nasa's Kepler spacecraft, launched in 2009 to track down other Earths. The craft spots a planet when it passes in front of the planet's star. One team led by Francois Fressin of the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics estimated at least one in six stars has an Earth-size planet orbiting it. Using a different method, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley and University of Hawaii determined that 17% of stars host planets that are one to two times the diameter of Earth. The findings were presented at the American Astronomical Society. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |