Randomly dimming star can't be explained by usual theories
Astronomers have discovered a weird star system that appears to be dimming completely at random, and none of the usual explanations seem to fit.
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Kepler Mission
Space
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New algorithm digs up 18 Earth-like exoplanets from old Kepler data
Another 18 exoplanets have been added to the haul, but the difference this time is that all of them are roughly Earth-sized – much smaller than the Neptune-sized average found so far. The discovery was made in old data, using a new and more sensitive algorithm.
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Space
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NASA shuts down Kepler, ending nine years of planet-hunting
After nine years, NASA's exoplanet-hunting Kepler mission came to a final end Thursday as the space agency sent the radio commands ordering the onboard computer to shut down the unmanned space telescope's systems.
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Space
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Kepler mission ends after nine years of planet hunting
The pioneering planet-hunting Kepler Space Telescope has finally reached the end of its service life and will be switched off permanently. NASA announced today that the aging, unmanned spacecraft has run out of the propellant needed to keep it from tumbling and must be retired.
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Space
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New moon rising? Astronomers spot evidence of first exomoon
Although it’s basically a sure thing that exomoons are out there, astronomers haven’t been able to spot any – until now. Scientists using NASA’s Hubble and Kepler space telescopes have found evidence of a large moon orbiting a gas giant planet some 8,000 light-years away.
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NASA shuts down failing Kepler in hope of salvaging last-gasp data
NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope has been on shaky ground for some time now. Mission scientists have now placed it into sleep mode in hopes of salvaging what might be its last cache of data, though there are no guarantees.
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The astronomical legacy of the Kepler space telescope
On June 6, 2018, NASA announced that the Kepler space observatory was reaching the end of its life.Now that Kepler is approaching its final days, let's look back at its remarkable nine-year career and how it has changed our views about the universe.
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Last gasp? NASA fires up fading Kepler telescope for Campaign 19
NASA isn’t done with the Kepler Space Telescope just yet. Its scientists have awoken the deep space probe to gather science data yet again, though with an unknown amount of fuel and a compromised performance, there’s no telling how successful the venture will be.
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Space
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Watery exoplanets may be common, but not very friendly
Watery planets beyond the Solar System may be more common than previously thought, making up 35 percent of exoplanets two to four times the size of the Earth. According to a new study, many planets are made up of half water by mass as opposed to the 0.02 percent water that the Earth has.
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The two Earth-like exoplanets that may have seasons and stable climates
When looking for exoplanets that could potentially support life, astronomers start with those orbiting within the “habitable zone." A new study has found that two of the most promising planets are now even more promising, with axial tilts that likely give them regular seasons and a stable climate.
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