NASA just discovered a record-breaking number of planets

NASA announced Tuesday that its Kepler Space Telescope has discovered another 1,284 planets. The latest finding marks the single largest discovery of planets ever, and more than doubles the number of planets that Kepler has confirmed. "This gives us hope that somewhere out there, around a star like ours, we can eventually discover another Earth," Ellen Stofan, chief scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington, said. NASA believes some of the new planets discovered are roughly the same size as Earth and could be habitable.
The $600 million space telescope was launched in 2009, and the latest finding marks its second successful haul. During the first leg of the telescope's mission in 2009, more than 1,000 planets were confirmed, including 12 that are about the size of Earth. In total, there are now more than 3,200 verified planets — 2,325 of which were discovered by Kepler.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Japan poised to get first woman prime minister
Speed Read The ruling Liberal Democratic Party elected former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi
-
Israel and Hamas meet on hostages, Trump’s plan
Speed Read Hamas accepted the general terms of Trump’s 20-point plan, including the release of all remaining hostages
-
US tipped to help Kyiv strike Russian energy sites
Speed Read Trump has approved providing Ukraine with intelligence for missile strikes on Russian energy infrastructure
-
Netanyahu agrees to Trump’s new Gaza peace plan
Speed Read At President Trump's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, they agreed upon a plan to end Israel’s war in Gaza
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Moldova gives decisive win to pro-EU party
Speed Read The country is now on track to join the European Union within five years
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
UK, 3 Western allies recognize Palestinian state
Speed Read Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal formally recognized the state of Palestine