Kepler’s Future Expected To Be Discussed At Second Kepler Science Conference

In an article for the Space Review (11/4), Space Review editor Jeff Foust wrote on recent exoplanet discoveries, including Petigura’s study, as well as the Second Kepler Science Conference. Foust noted that one issue expected to be discussed at the conference is possible future uses for Kepler as manager are now reviewing 40 proposals. Batalha said during a teleconference Friday, “They were subjected to review and scrutiny by the engineers to try and decide what was feasible and what is scientifically compelling. … We will be submitting a report to NASA Headquarters soon, later this month, to summarize the results of that study.” Batalha added that researchers also want to continue to refine the collected Kepler data, saying, “What we’d like to do to make up for not having as much data as we’d thought we’d have is to really dive down into the weeds and apply innovative techniques to give Erik [Petigura] better brightness measurement.” Marcy also said Friday that NASA took a “bold move” launching Kepler in the first place, adding it was a “joy” to work with the team.