posted 09-17-2009 01:43 AM               

Although its primary aim is stellar seismology, it's also looking for extra-solar planets, much like the Kepler spacecraft.

And we're getting closer to find Earth-like planets...

CNN: First rocky planet found outside solar system

Scientists have discovered the first confirmed Earthlike planet outside our solar system, they announced Wednesday.

"This is the first confirmed rocky planet in another system," astronomer Artie Hatzes told CNN, contrasting the solid planet with gaseous ones like Jupiter and Saturn.

But "Earthlike" is a relative term.

The planet's composition may be similar to that of Earth, but its environment is more like a vision of hell, the project's lead astronomer said.