Found: one Earth-like planet - Astronomers use gravity lensing to spot homely planets.

news@nature.com ^ | 25 January 2006 | Mark Peplow

[neverdem]

Gravitational microlensing can find small alien worlds in places other techniques cannot reach.

Blue dots indicate the masses of the extrasolar planets found so far using the Doppler technique, plotted against the separation from their star. High-mass planets on short orbits cause the greatest deflection in their star, and are therefore easier to identify. But there is a detection threshold for Doppler surveys (blue line) below which no planet can be found. The grey rectangle indicates the region (including uncertainties) of the new planet found by gravitational microlensing, which is well below the Doppler sensitivity threshold. Jupiter and Neptune are shown for comparison. © ESA

[neverdem]

ping

[martin_fierro]

They don't come any uglier than...

...BIZARRO EARTH

[Bogey78O]

Well when we need to establish colonies we can keep this one in mind. Hopefully it's solid and not gaseous. ;)

[Mamzelle]

The last homely house, east of the Misty Mountains and west of the sea.

[timer]

How does this discovery relate to the Drake Equation?

[I see my hands]

Before our sun gets big and red we have to evacuate this planet. We have to start now.

The school buses are ready and we have the keys. Let's get them rolling!

[Chena]

Fascinating! Now, next question: "can I get there from here and will I be able to afford the gas?" Also, what is 220 degrees C compared to Farenheit? We're at -60 at our house right now, and once it gets this $%$@# cold, nothing seems unsurvivable. LOL

[Ma3lst0rm]

And where there is a Bizzaro world there is a Bizzaro Supergirl!!!!

[Frank_2001]

28,000 light years is kind of far away; can't they find something closer-like, say, 20 or 30 light years?;)))

[AndrewB]

OK, where's the obligatory Helen Thomas pic. We have rules around here ya know...

[martin_fierro]

I like how her face is all j a c k e d u p, but her hooters are just fine.

[Ma3lst0rm]

Yeah I suppose if she was naked they'd be all cube-like too but mmmm...I think I'll stop there. lol

[Fledermaus]

I was right...the Democrats ARE living on another planet.

[xJones]

So it's a homely little planet, it's just that the -220 C climate might make this one a really tough fixer-upper sell.

[skinkinthegrass]

where's the obligatory Helen Thomas pic. We have rules around here ya know...NO!!!! NOT THAT! :P

[Dallas59]

BWAHAHAHAHAHAH!

[xJones]

There's a new ring in hell waiting for you....

[skinkinthegrass]

it's just that the -220 C climate might make this one a really tough fixer-upper sell.

with a Planet, Full of Democrats...w/ all that HOT AIR...after 28,000 yearlight distance/travelling @ 1/2 c...It should just be bearable, by the time we get there. :^/

[skinkinthegrass]

D@#N!..glad, we were forewarned. :D