Unlocking Exoplanet Secrets: Kepler's Legacy
Unveiling the Cosmos: A Journey Through Kepler Mission Data The Kepler Space Telescope, launched in 2009, revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos by embarking on a remarkable mission: to discover planets orbiting distant stars. Its primary goal? To find Earth-sized planets within the habitable zone – the sweet spot where liquid water could exist. Over nine years, Kepler diligently surveyed a patch of sky, capturing millions of starlight measurements and revealing an astonishing treasure trove of exoplanets. But Kepler's legacy extends far beyond simply counting planets. Analyzing its vast data has opened up a window into the diverse nature of planetary systems, offering insights into planet formation, evolution, and the potential for life beyond Earth. Let's dive deeper into some...