Cosmic census sheds light on our galaxy

Cosmic census sheds light on our galaxy

WASHINGTON

Scientists have estimated the first cosmic census of planets in our galaxy, and the numbers are astronomical: at least 50 billion planets in the Milky Way.

At least 500 million of those planets are in the not-too-hot, not-too-cold zone where life could exist. The numbers were extrapolated from the early results of NASA’s planet-hunting Kepler telescope.

Kepler science chief William Borucki says scientists took the number of planets they found in the first year of searching a small part of the night sky and then made an estimate on how likely stars are to have planets. Kepler spots planets as they pass between Earth and the star it orbits.

Loughner’s reclusive father retreats more

TUCSON, Ariz.

Randy Loughner was always reclusive. But since his son’s alleged shooting rampage last month, the father has shut himself behind what one neighbor calls “an elaborate cage.”

In recent weeks, Loughner has built a substantial wooden enclosure, more than 6 feet high, obscuring his front door and windows. The four horizontal windows on the garage door have been papered over, the diamond-shaped openings atop the block wall to his back yard closed off with little plywood plugs.

Even the white mailbox out front has been replaced by a heavy black steel one with a locked drawer.

“He was already secluded, so he was already set up for it, and used to it,” says Stephen Woods, who lives in the house to the left of Amy and Randy Loughners’. “So I imagine it’s not bothering him much. I don’t think his life has changed that much.”

Thousands mourn historic trees in Ala.

AUBURN, Ala.

A steady stream of people began to arrive early Saturday to mourn the poisoning of oak trees at Toomer’s Corner, where Auburn fans have long celebrated wins.

The heartfelt demonstration continued well into the afternoon.

Fans took pictures and left gifts and tributes, including rolls of toilet paper that surrounded the two 130-year-old oaks located on the fringes of campus.

The rally reflected the depth of pain and frustration engulfing this small community.

“Toomer’s Tree Hug” was about proud tradition; it was about college football — two things residents in this state are rabidly, unapologetically passionate about.

And it was an Alabama fan — Harvey Updyke Jr., 62 — who apparently let his passion spiral out of control. Updyke has been charged with first-degree criminal mischief for allegedly using a tree-destroying herbicide to poison the oaks after Auburn beat the Crimson Tide in November. He was released from the Lee County Detention Facility on bond Friday night.

Associated Press