Kepler Telescope Detects an Earth-Size Planet Orbiting a Star Like Our Own

The New York Times today:

Scientists working with NASA’s Kepler satellite reported Thursday that they might have spotted a planet just 1.5 times the diameter of Earth around a Sun-like star.

And, not to be outdone, the Europeans announced an Earth-size planet this week as well:

The Earth-size planet seen by the European astronomers appears to be one of seven circling the star HD 10180, in the constellation Hydrus.

“If one particular word can describe planetary systems today, it’s ‘diverse,’ “ said Douglas N. C. Lin, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of California, Santa Cruz. “Planets are common, and their properties are diverse.”

O brave new worlds!