Physics-Astronomy

Is there life on other planets? NASA's newest mission hopes to shed light on this question. Last Friday, NASA launched the Kepler Mission, a spacecraft-based telescope that will enable scientists to search a small area of the Milky Way for earth-like planets, capable of supporting life.

Using special infrared telescopes, NASA scientists have discovered the presence of regular methane “plumes” on Mars, further raising the possibility that life once existed – or currently exists – on Mars. Methane gas is one of the simplest organic molecules, a common byproduct of biological life. In fact, more than 90% of the Earth’s methane comes from biologic sources.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that CNN's seven-person science and technology reporting group, led by anchor Miles O'Brien, has been shut down. The move is reportedly editorial, not economic. A CNN spokesperson says that science and technology reporting will be now be moved into Anderson Cooper 360's "Planet in Peril" series.