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Terrestrial Planet Finder

Posted by timothy on from the idea-flagpole-getting-full dept.

solarlux writes "The Terrestrial Planet Finder has taken one step closer to reality as two architectures have been approved by NASA. The first, TPF-c, will be a single optical telescope which employs a coronograph to block starlight for planet detection. TPF-i will be a flotilla of infrared telescopes flying in formation to form a interferometer. TPF-i will analyze the planets identified by TPF-c for life signatures. The telescopes are to be launched within the next 10-15 years."

1 of 168 comments (clear)

  1. Guide to finding Earth-like planets by goon+america · · Score: 0, Troll
    There are a number of important, key characteristics astronomers look for when trying to find an extrasolar Earth-like planet:
    1. Poor education system: This is a ticking-time bomb found on many Earth-like planets.
    2. Most of the population engaged in pointless wars
    3. Resources are being expended at a rate much greater than they are being created; General myopia in all planning found on that planet.