“Astronomers using NASA data have calculated for the first time that in our galaxy alone, there are at least 8.8 billion stars with Earth-size planets in the habitable temperature zone.  For perspective, that’s more Earth-like planets than there are people on Earth.”

Seth Dixon‘s insight:

I was recently flying over New York City and I was stunned at the vastness of this metropolis and amazed at the arrogance we take when we assume we ‘understand’ a place with millions of people and complex networks.  The geographic enterprise is remarkably ambitious and even if we can’t fully understand everything about our planet, we strive towards that goal…then I read this article and the magnitude of the universe simultaneously overwhelmed and inspired me.  8.8 billion earth-like planets!!  The only reason anyone could ever be bored is if they have stopped being curious about all that surrounds us.  

See on www.nbcnews.com