An Analysis Of The Kepler Mission

Are human beings alone in the Milky Way Galaxy? This constitutes one of astronomy’s biggest inquiries of all time. The Kepler Mission was launched in March 2009 to analyze a sector of the Milky Way galaxy in order to ascertain dozens of Earth-size planets within the habitable zone (Jerry 1). By applying the transit method, NASA scientists would conclude the amount of stars containing habitable planets which has revitalized the question of extraterrestrial life. Through the state of the art spacecraft and specially designed methods, NASA has met many of the fundamental objectives and has discovered hundreds of exoplanets. Unquestionably, these discoveries have made Kepler to become one of the most notable NASA missions to date.

NASA formulated specific objectives for the Kepler Mission. Above all, the purpose is to delve into the diversity and structure of planetary systems. This purpose can be attained by assessing a vast sample of stars. Through the Kepler Mission, NASA scientists hope to obtain their 6 goals (Jerry 1). These goals include determining planets in the habitable zone and figuring out the shapes and sizes of their orbits. Another Kepler Mission goal is to assess the amount of planets in multiple-star systems. Next, NASA hopes to evaluate the variety of planet sizes, densities and masses of short-period giant planets. Lastly, these scientists and astronomers will determine more planets of each newly discovered planetary system and assessing the characteristics of the stars that shelter planetary systems. These objectives are what the Kepler Mission’s employees strive to attain every day of the mission.

The Kepler Mission is the first to be able to detect Earth-size planets around other stars. This is possible thr...

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...pler Mission needed to go on until 2015 to attain the goals and objectives. On 14 November 2012, NASA released the news of the conclusion of Kepler's primary mission, and the start of the extended mission. In February 2014, about a month ago, the announcement of 715 newly verified exoplanets were announced by NASA (Van 1).

In conclusion, the discoveries of the Kepler mission have raised questions in many different fields about the possibility of extraterrestrial life. As we come to understand our universe more, the future of astronomy is beginning to resemble science fiction. All things considered, the field of astronomy is coming closer to achieving even more progress and possibly finding an answer to this perplexing question. For now, Kepler’s planetary candidates are under examination. The results are thrilling for not only science, but for human civilization.