December 11th: Kepler 22-b
For some, Christmas is all about the anticipation. What you're
going to get, how other's are going to react to what you get them, will you get
what it is you actually want, are you going to end up never speaking to certain
family members again? The possibilities are what get some people worked up, to
the point where the actual main reveal is something of a disappointment.
At the time of writing this, a similar situation exists in
the astronomical community, as well as, to a certain extent, the 'understanding
the universe and our place in it' community, although they can get a little
theological/philosophical at times. The sort of people you would invite round
for dinner, but wouldn't want them renting your spare room for fear of constant
discussions about man's role in the grand scheme of life itself when all you
want them to do is pay for some of the milk they keep stealing from you.
Recently, it was announced that the most Earth-like planet
to date was discovered.
Named Kepler 22-b, it's sparked a lot of debate and
conversation about the ramifications of the possibility of life, the uniqueness
of Earth, interest in space travel and numerous other things. Its location is
known, it's in the right place to support life (by our standards, anyway) in
the 'Goldilocks
zone', it's bigger than Earth but not
excessively so, and it's (by galactic standards) right down
the road. But they don't know if it's made of mostly gas, rock or air yet
(but judging by the name, they seem to know its cup size?) so it may be completely
useless for what we 'want'?
This is the space science equivalent of the big chunky
square present under the tree with your name on it. It could be the new laptop
you've been going on about, it could be a new PS3 that you're sure you've heard
a few hints about, or it could be a large pair of novelty pants in an oversized
box.
Time will tell, but in many ways, the waiting ends up being the
best part. That is sort of the point of advent calendars, in a way
Twitter: @garwboy
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