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The Universe in the Classroom  

Welcome to the Universe in the Classroom! This electronic educational newsletter is for teachers and other educators around the world who want to help students of all ages learn more about the wonders of the universe through astronomy.

On this page, you can read the current issue, subscribe to receive updates and browse our archives. You can also learn more about the Universe in the Classroom and find out about how you can help by writing an article, translating the newsletter or making a donation.

Current issue: Spring 2010

Kepler Mission: A First Step Toward Finding Other Earths

Kepler spacecraft

Whenever the question comes up “Are there intelligent beings out there beyond our solar system?” people’s imaginations fire up. But, currently, we have skimpy to non-existent information about extraterrestrial life.

The search is on, but, so far, ET has not been found. NASA’s Kepler Mission is underway to detect Earth-size extrasolar planets that could support life. To date, most of the extrasolar planets discovered are giant planets, the size of Jupiter and bigger. Kepler is poised to find small planets, 30 to 600 times less massive than Jupiter. The Kepler mission is designed to answer the question, “Are Earth-size planets in the habitable zone of stars common or rare in our galaxy?”

In this issue of the Universe in the Classroom, find out about the Kepler Mission and how it is searching for Earth-size planets orbiting distant stars.


We thank the following Universe in the Classroom sponsors

Donat G. Wentzel

The Thomason Foundation

Al Whaley

If you would like to support this program click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

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