An online gaming experiment has helped university researchers discover what could be two new planets outside of our solar system. "In the first month after launch, users identified two new planet candidates which survived our checks for false-positives."
The University of Oxford and Yale University were among several organizations to set up a browser based game called Planet Hunters. I imagine it's just like my favorite show House Hunters, except with planets. The objective involved observing the light emitted by stars for changes. A shift in light may indicate a planet is moving across the star. Researchers were able to use the data collected from gamers to search for potential planets.
Planet Hunter even has achievements, kind of. Each user who contributes to the game will get their name places in the acknowledgments as part of The Royal Astronomical Society monthly notices.
Since gamers helped discover the planets I think we should have a say in naming them. I suggest Eden Prime and Sigma Octanus IV but I'm open to suggestions.
Source: Gamasutra
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gamerassassin
please for the love of god do NOT turn out like dead space! other than that Eden Prime FTW!!
kryptonmetal
Krypton? Awesome.
caesar
How about plutonia,tittania or bukkaki
caesar
Well pluto is not a planet or so they said now we have 2 new ones how about pluto the 2nd and startrek 1
soldojo
Lol Eden Prime FTW.
Or, historically speaking, you know, FTL.
But whatever.
V_Translanka
SR388 - Stock up on your missiles &...freeze rays, people! >_>
lustinius
Well, we should definitely colonize Eden Prime. I don't care what the conditions are, it could be a giant ball of lava.
StubbyfromKCMO
Miranda. Let the Gorram Reapers come. I'll be waiting.
StubbyfromKCMO
Miranda. Let the Gorram Reapers come. I'll be waiting.
MartiansfromUranus
Cybertron and Distant Planet!
jjfan1
Gamers for teh Win! Whats next for gamers?
Devils_Advocate
I second Eden Prime.
Now to prepare for the coming Reaper Invasion...
Devils_Advocate
I second Eden Prime.
Now to prepare for the coming Reaper Invasion...
Devils_Advocate
I second Eden Prime as well.
now to prepare for the coming Reaper Invasion..
Devils_Advocate
I second Eden Prime.
Now to prepare for the coming Reaper Invasion
top8cat
@Budace
And the other Ross
Madbagofhorses
Ahh, and now some are becoming aware of the skills that video games wax. Pattern association. Some gamers know the parts of their perception and awareness that are buffered by their most loved hobby, playing video games. Some remain unaware, but stick in it for fun and for a sensation they can't quite describe.
Now, let the non-gamer world see the impact a years-long dedication can have on one's mental faculties.
sharpsied
I'd go with Eden Prime as well.
Liem
Titan AE All the way
Budace
First gamers fold a protein that had baffled scientists for years and now we've discovered 2 new planets? What are we paying these scientists for again?
Also I think one should be named Planet Bob
Displaying 1–20 of 20