A Third of Sun-Like Stars May Have Warm Earth Analogs

The Bad Astronomer writes "An astronomer studying data from the first 136 days of the Kepler observatory missions has calculated that as many as 34% of all Sun-like stars (abstract) may have Earth-sized planets orbiting in their habitable zones, where conditions are right for life as we know it. I have some reservations with his numbers, but they do match other studies. There may be 15 billion warm, Earth-sized worlds in our galaxy alone."

Comments

Re:15 billion, but 0 within reach

[arth1]

Natalie Portman might be out of reach too, but I still like to know whether she exists.

Re:Liquid Water

[Surt]

Liquid water is the foundation of a lot of interesting chemistry, and also a good temperature regulator. Life getting by without it would likely have to endure much more significant temperature swings.