The number of stars discovered having planets in orbit has grown over the years since we figured out how to find them. Mostly, though, the planets in question have been big Super Jovians, basically failed stars that, had they been a bit more massive, probably would have ignited and turn their primary into a binary or even trinary star system. Smaller planets— say, like Earth or Mars—are by definition harder to find.
But find one we have. Check this piece at Panda’s Thumb.
The possibilities inch toward probabilities that there is life—rich life, complex life—elsewhere, not just here. This is a really cool time to be a science fiction fan.…