New Earth

"Scientists analyzing data from the Kepler space telescope have discovered a first: an Earth-size planet orbiting in the habitable zone of its parent star, researchers announced Thursday." Source.

Image source artists concept: NASA

That was the headline on the CBS website and it sent my imaginations running wild. Of course we have to look at this realistically therefore while it is in the 'habitable zone' of the star it is orbiting this does not mean there is life there. However if the atmosphere is much like earth and if we suppose we are able to reach it, then it is a New Earth. CBS reports that this planet takes 130 days to rotate around the star Kepler-186.

The CBS article does not seem to mention what measurement they are using when stating it takes 130 days to complete one orbit which is one year. It is likely to be Earth days however because at that distance they may not be able to see how long each day on that planet is. Suppose we lived there, then each day/night cycle would be one day and suppose we still used 12 marks around a circle to measure the time, how fast would our seconds be? How long would be one 'Kepler-186f' day, and therefore how long in Kepler-186f days would be one Kepler-186f year? Would it still be 130 days, or would this be 365 days, or some other value? In the future when we are able to travel to such exoplanets, would we use Earth time or 'local time'? It is fascinating to even think about these things which one day could be a reality.

Space fascinates me immensely so I am always excited to see planetary discoveries that are like our own as well as new space objects. There was a recent discovery of a planet of 'a woman's best friend' or otherwise known as "The diamond planet". That planet apparently is made of diamonds probably to the delight of future diamond miners. Already there is talk of its dollar value -in the nonillions it seems.

All I can say after reading about such discoveries is "Hurry up with that warp drive powered ship!"