In the universe, is our Earth unique? How many Earth-size planets are there? Could and do they support life? The Kepler mission is being undertaken by NASA to answer these very questions. Please plan to attend the next SoVerA (Southern Vermont Astronomy Group) Public Outreach meeting on March 15, 2007 at the Eagles Club in Manchester at 7:00 pm. SoVerA member, Tom Bourgeois will demonstrate how this mission will be carried out. Following Tom's presentation will be a series of interactive activities to help the public better understand transits and other aspects of the Kepler Mission.

SoVerA is an organization composed of amateur and professional astronomers, educators, students and members of the lay public. We are dedicated to making astronomy much more accessible to all. Talks and presentations are held in venues throughout the southern Vermont region on the third Thursday of every month, with observing afterwards, sky conditions permitting. All are welcome. More information may be found at: www.sovera.org.

Artist concept of Kepler Mission with distant solar system in background.