Astronomers Announce the Most Earth-Like Planet Yet Found Outside the Solar System

Just within the past 10 years, astronomers have discovered well over a hundred planets in orbit around stars beyond our own Sun. Now the National Science Foundation invites reporters to a media briefing on a major advance in the search for such planets. The briefing will also be Webcast, and viewers will be able to submit questions via telephone and e-mail.

What: News Briefing: Astronomers Announce the Most Earth-Like Planet Yet Found Outside the Solar System

Who: Michael Turner, Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences, NSF
          Geoffrey Marcy, University of California, Berkeley
          Paul Butler, Carnegie Institution of Washington
          Eugenio Rivera, Lick Observatory, University of California, Santa Cruz
          Jack Lissauer, NASA Ames Research Center

When: Monday, June 13, 2005, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time

Where: National Science Foundation
             4201 Wilson Blvd., Room 110
             Arlington, VA  22230
            (Ballston Metro stop)
            - Enter at corner of 9^th & Stuart
            - Go directly to Room 110 on the left (no need to check in with security)
            For directions: http://www.nsf.gov/about/visit/

Webcast: http://www.nsf.gov/news/newsmedia/planetdiscovery.jsp
                 Interested NSF staff can view the Webcast in room 390.

Call-In Questions: 1 (877) 716-1362; International : 1 (712) 237-6081
                                passcode: 697899