This week's space, science and "living planet" news ranged from warp speed possibilities to martian farming. Check out our top five choices below.
1. Alien Planet Discovered... Thanks To Albert Einstein?
You guys really liked this one, and it's easy to see why. For the first time in history, scientists used Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity to discover an exoplanet. The planet, called "Einstein's planet," was discovered thanks to data collected from the Kepler space observatory. "Each planet-hunting technique has its strengths and weaknesses. And each novel technique we add to the arsenal allows us to probe planets in new regimes," Avi Loeb of the Center for Astrophysics, said.
2. Kepler Mission Over? Experiencing Major Problems, NASA Says
Kepler has produced some amazing results in its search for exoplanets but it looks like the space observatory's mission might be at an end, with a wheel malfunction jeopardizing its ability to position itself accurately. NASA, however, insists that Kepler still has a chance and is taking measures to restore functionality.
3. Lost City Of Gold Found In Honduras?
The conquistador Cortez once told of a vast, prosperous city full of gold and that mysterious city may have now been discovered thanks to modern technology. Using lida (light detection and ranging), researchers were able to locate what they believe to be the lost city in Honduras.
4. Why Is The International Space Station Switching From Windows To GNU/Linux?
Another popular story this week involved the International Space Station switching its computers from Windows to GNU/Linux. Viruses have affected the station to at least a small degree thus far.
5. Gravity Waves May Soon Become Visible
A new device may allow researchers to "see" gravity. The new tool consists of a detector cooled by lasers. How about that?
