posted 04-24-2007 10:46 PM               

Potentially habitable planet found

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For the first time astronomers have discovered a planet outside our solar system that is potentially habitable, with Earth-like temperatures, a find researchers described Tuesday as a big step in the search for "life in the universe."

The planet is just the right size, might have water in liquid form, and in galactic terms is relatively nearby at 120 trillion miles away. But the star it closely orbits, known as a "red dwarf," is much smaller, dimmer and cooler than our sun.

There's still a lot that is unknown about the new planet, which could be deemed inhospitable to life once more is known about it. And it's worth noting that scientists' requirements for habitability count Mars in that category: a size relatively similar to Earth's with temperatures that would permit liquid water. However, this is the first outside our solar system that meets those standards.

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posted 04-24-2007 11:32 PM               

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Originally posted by FutureAstronaut:
How long until we come in contact with these life forms?

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posted 04-27-2007 08:32 AM               

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Snapple, the Best Stuff on Earth, Aims to Become Best Stuff in the Universe

Snapple to Seek Exclusive Distribution Rights On Newly Discovered Planet

Snapple, maker of The Best Stuff on Earth, plans to become The Best Stuff in the Universe. The leading tea brand is petitioning NASA with a request to be considered as the exclusive beverage onboard any inter-planetary flights to the Earth-like planet discovered this week by a team of European astronomers.

"Everybody knows that Snapple tastes out of this world," said Randy Gier, Chief Consumer Officer for Snapple. "We believe the first thing anyone from this new world will request is the Best Stuff on Earth. NASA should seriously consider our petition because Snapple Green, White and Red teas boost metabolism, offer light taste and contribute to a healthy immune system -- great benefits for any life form."

While the as yet unnamed planet is more than 20 light years away, Snapple is already preparing to make its first delivery to the cosmos. Obtaining distribution rights for the new planet will give Snapple a first-to-market advantage. If the request is granted, the one-of-a-kind ready-to-drink tea maker may change all SKUs so packaging will read "Best Stuff in the Universe" rather than "Best Stuff on Earth."

The new planet, which orbits a small, red star called Gliese 581, is about one-and-a-half times the diameter of Earth and is the best candidate so far for supporting extraterrestrial life. Because of its temperature and relative proximity (only 120 trillion miles away from Earth), this planet may be an important target for future space missions dedicated to the search for extraterrestrial life. In advance of those missions, Snapple is encouraging key officials to send an advance inter-planetary "care package" featuring superior Earth-made products that will represent the best of what our solar system has to offer.

"Securing first-to-market inter-planetary distribution rights is part of our vision for universal expansion -- we plan on leaving other ready-to-drink tea manufacturers behind on Earth," added Gier.

For more information about Snapple's plans for universal domination, please visit www.snapple.com

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