Science Mail Online Farewell Kepler

Science Mail Online All the latest UK and international science and technology news, video and pictures from the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday // via fulltextrssfeed.com MadesmithModern handmade. New designers every week. From our sponsors Farewell Kepler: Nasa abandons hope of fixing injured planet hunter which searched for planets that might support life Aug 16th 2013, 16:29 * Kepler lost a second wheel in May and could no longer remain steady * It is hoped Kepler will now conduct a more limited science programme * Scientists hope data already collected will yield thousands of discoveries By Ellie Zolfagharifard PUBLISHED: 11:28 EST, 16 August 2013 UPDATED: 11:29 EST, 16 August 2013 A broken planet-finding telescope is to remain crippled in space after scientists gave up attempts to restore it to full working order. The news was announced by the Nasa which is looking to see what can be salvaged from the Kepler space telescope. Kepler, which cost lb395 million, was launched in March 2009 with the chief aim of searching for Earth-sized planets that might support life. Kepler, which cost lb395 million, was launched in March 2009 with the chief aim of searching for Earth-sized planets that might support life. From the observations analysed so far scientists have confirmed the existence of 135 new exoplanets and identified more than 3,500 candidates It has proved one of Nasa's most successful missions, delivering a mass of data on planets orbiting distant stars which is still being studied. From the observations analysed so far, scientists have confirmed the existence of 135 new exoplanets and identified more than 3,500 candidates. Several of these worlds are 'super-Earths' with up to 10 times the Earth's mass situated in 'habitable zone' orbits where conditions may be suitable for life. In November last year, Kepler completed its primary mission and began a four-year extended mission. The Kepler probe has found hundreds of new planets. Several of these worlds are 'super-Earths' with up to 10 times the Earth's mass situated in 'habitable zone' orbits where conditions may be suitable for life KEPLER'S LEGACY Kepler was launched in 2009 with the sole purpose of finding new stars and planets. During that time it has confirmed 132 planets and spotted more than 2,700 potential ones. Several of these worlds are 'super-Earths' with up to 10 times the Earth's mass situated in 'habitable zone' orbits where conditions may be suitable for life. In December 2011, Kepler found a new Earth-sized planet orbiting a star just 352 light years away. It was found lurking in the Kepler star field and was named Kepler-21b. In January, scientists used Kepler's data to estimate that there are at least 17 billion Earth-sized exoplanets. The telescope detects planets by measuring the tiny dip in light output when an orbiting object passes in front of a star. But now two of the four spinning gyroscope-like wheels used to position the telescope with the incredible level of precision required have failed. Efforts to get at least one of the "reaction wheels" working again have failed. Kepler needs at least three functioning wheels to keep it completely still while it searches for small Earth-sized exoplanets. The Nasa team is now investigating whether Kepler can conduct a more limited science programme using its remaining reaction wheels and thrusters. Meanwhile scientists are continuing to sift through the wealth of information already collected, which they hope will yield hundreds or even thousands of discoveries. 'At the beginning of our mission, no-one knew if Earth-size planets were abundant in the galaxy. If they were rare, we might be alone,' said Dr William Borucki, principal investigator at Nasa's Ames Research Centre in Moffett Field, California. This is Kepler's field of view superimposed on the night sky. In January, scientists used Kepler's data to estimate that there are at least 17 billion Earth-sized exoplanets The Kepler probe was launched in 2009. In November last year, Kepler completed its primary mission and began a four-year extended mission. But now two of the four spinning gyroscope-like wheels have failed 'Now at the completion of Kepler observations, the data holds the answer to the question that inspired the mission. Are Earths in the habitable zones of stars like our Sun common or rare?' John Grunsfeld, associate administrator at Nasa's Science Mission Directorate in Washington DC, said: 'Kepler has made extraordinary discoveries in finding exoplanets, including several super-Earths in the habitable zone. 'Knowing that Kepler has successfully collected all the data from its prime mission, I am confident that more amazing discoveries are on the horizon.' The Kepler scientists have not yet spotted a truly Earth-sized planet in the habitable zone of a Sun-like star. They hope evidence of such an Earth twin is waiting to be discovered in the huge amount of data from the space telescope. This image made by the Kepler shows a 100-square-degree patch of sky in the Milky Way galaxy. NASA is calling off all attempts to fix the crippled space telescope SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE * Copperhead snake bites itself after being decapitated * Horrifying: Egyptian protestors push armoured police van off... * Bar Mitzvah vid! 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