No Shit, Sherlock

Some of Kepler's Discovered Planets Might Not Be Real After All

YA THINK?!!

The validity of the detection process for these so-called exoplanets is flimsier than toilet paper -- and worth about the same. The entire process is a series of inferences, should-bes, and probably-ares. There has been no independent verification -- not of a single one -- because the only way to verify the accuracy of the process is to physically send a probe to within visual distance of one of the planets in question and see that it is indeed where the inferences say it is. Since that would take several thousand years for even the nearest of them, it's impractical in the extreme. Which leaves us with... more inferences.

I repeat: these self-styled "planet hunters" are not scientists, they are sensationalists. Like little kids, they've figured out that the more outlandish the story, the more attention they'll get. In their world, attention means grant money, the lifeblood of pure scientific research organizations. It's all quite harmless -- until somebody calls them out for making up stories, at which point their credibility evaporates, along with generations of future researchers who may be more scientifically honest.

None of which, you can be sure, will slow them down in the least. You'll continue to see articles about how many hundreds of "planets" they've discovered every year, complete with improbable details and rampant speculation. That's because, like everyone else, scientists prefer steak over hamburger. Just remember to follow the money before you swallow the story.