UChicago launches search for distant worlds

Since 1995, scientists have discovered approximately 600 planets around other stars, including 50 planets last month alone , and one that orbits two stars , like Tatooine in Star Wars . Detection of the first Earthlike planet remains elusive, however, and now the University of Chicago joins the search with the addition of Jacob Bean and Daniel Fabrycky to the faculty. "I can't imagine a more profound impact on humanity than the discovery that there are other Earthlike worlds or that we are not alone," said Rocky Kolb , the Arthur Holly Compton Distinguished Service Professor in Astronomy & Astrophysics and department chairman. Bean joins the faculty as an assistant professor in astronomy & astrophysics this autumn quarter. Fabrycky, who was a member of the team that discovered the Tatooine-like planet, will join the department next fall. Bean and Fabrycky were hired following a joint search conducted by the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics and the Department of Geophysical Sciences. The new faculty additions come as the University as a whole is engaged in a significant expansion of its faculty.