Message from 2009 Waterman Award Winner on Discovering New Planets

The video discusses the significant findings from small observatories, revealing that many extrasolar planets differ greatly from those in our solar system. It highlights the exciting potential to discover Earth-like planets and search for signs of life in the coming years.

What have small observatories contributed to our understanding of planets?

How are extrasolar planets different from the planets in our solar system?

What is the most exciting prospect for the next few years in the study of planets?

What kind of planets are scientists hoping to find that are more akin to Earth?

What evidence are researchers looking for on inhabited worlds?