50 New Exoplanets Found, Billions More Await 208
The Bad Astronomer writes "Astronomers using a sensitive spectrograph have just announced the existence of 50 more planets orbiting nearby Sun-like stars. The important things to note: 1) Sixteen of them are super-Earths, and 2) 40% of all Sun-like stars appear to have at least one planet with less mass than Saturn."
Great Super Earths. (Score:4, Funny)
That is the last thing I want to hear. All full of Life forms that are use to gravity much greater then what we are use full. If they beat us to space they will land on earth being smarter and stronger then us. I like the Old Grays small stature and wimpy. Sure they may have massive mental powers but I can really whack them hard with a big stick.
Threat (Score:4, Funny)
The problem is that if these planets do indeed harbour life, it could be at least as technologically advanced, if not more than us. This means that they pose a threat to our planet.
I say that we concentrate all our efforts into building space faring vehicles capable of travelling to these planets with the soul intent of destroying them. Before they destroy us.
If you find this too ridiculous then imagine Rick Perry saying it :)
Re:Great Super Earths. (Score:4, Funny)
Maybe they'd conquer Earth to turn it into some sort of weird alien spa. "Take a relaxing trip to Terra 3! Bask in the warming rays of Terra's star. The lighter gravity will make you feel years younger. All of your needs will be catered to by Terran slaves. We don't even mind if you break a few. We've got billions more."
Re:Great Super Earths. (Score:5, Funny)
... the increase in gravity isn't all that much: "For example, a planet with 5 times Earth’s mass but twice the radius ...
So, they're saying its kind of like the difference in average weight between shopping at Target vs Walmart? I guess thats OK then.