Kepler launches and microbial ecosystems at 19,850 feet high

Welcome! "Alien Life" tracks the latest discoveries and thoughts in the various elements of the famous Drake Equation. You may notice that this and future entries are shorter than usual; career, family and book deal commitments have forced me to cut back some of my projects. Now, here's today's news:
g Abodes - Are there other Earths out there - rocky planets capable of supporting life, orbiting sun-like stars at comfortable distances? See article.
g Life - Scientists have shown how gases from within the Earth support microbial ecosystems at 19,850 feet high. They are the highest-known microbial communities on Earth, and highlight the unique ways in which life is connected to physical and chemical processes on our planet. The microbes could also help scientists understand how to search for life on Mars. See article.
g Cosmicus - NASA launched its Kepler spacecraft just before 11 p.m. Friday in a mission that the agency says may fundamentally change humanity's view of itself. See article.

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