European astronomers announced they had found 32 new planets orbiting stars outside our solar system and said yesterday they believe their find means that 40 per cent or more of Sun-like stars have such planets.
The planets range in size from about five times the size of earth to about five times the size of Jupiter. More have been discovered, too, they said, promising more announcements later.
The latest discoveries bring the total of known exoplanets to about 400, said Stephane Udry of the Geneva Observatory in Switzerland.
"Nature doesn't like a vacuum so if there is space to put a planet it will put a planet there," Ms Udry told reporters in an internet briefing from a meeting of astronomers in Porto, Portugal.
Astronomers are keen to find Earthlike planets as these are the most likely to harbor life. (Reuters)
Puss in boots
An adventurous cat regularly catches a train to watch fish.
Percy has become the most famous pet in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, after it was revealed that he often leaves his home in Green Howard's Drive and travels to the Sea Life Centre by rail.
The six-year-old animal spends the day watching the fish and penguins before hopping back on to the miniature North Bay Railway train when it is time to go home. (PA)
In for a penny, in for a £1
A thief who stole almost £28,000 while working in a ticket office has been ordered to pay back £1 under the Proceeds of Crime Act, it has been revealed.
The Crown Prosecution Service stressed that the "nominal" order made against Elvis Kokobe would allow it to recover further funds from him in the future.
Mr Kokobe, of Hillfields, Coventry, was jailed for a total of 18 months last summer after admitting five counts of fraud. The 28-year-old, who worked at Coventry railway station, was given four weeks to pay £1 after a hearing at the city's Crown Court was told he had no assets. (PA)
Red-light district goes green
Part of Berlin's red-light scene is going green. One brothel hoping to stave off falling demand in the economic crisis has begun offering discounts to customers who cycle there.
"It's very difficult to find parking around here, and this option is better for our environment," said Thomas Goetz, who owns the House of Desire.
Locals in Prenzlauer Berg had staunchly supported the Green party in recent elections and welcomed the brothel's offer. (PA)
Police investigate kebab sauce
German police are investigating a chilli sauce to determine whether it was so spicy that it was capable of causing grievous bodily harm when used in an attack. Police took a sample of the sauce from a kebab stand in Bremen's central train station after a kebab salesman threw it into the eyes of a customer during a fight over napkins.
"Legally, the question of whether the spiciness of the kebab sauce constituted 'normal' or grievous bodily harm must be addressed," local police said.
Officers broke up a scuffle that kicked off after a 23-year-old wiped his kebab-soiled hands on the stand because the salesman refused to give him a paper napkin. The seller responded by flinging a ladle of sauce in the man's face. The victim's eyes became bloodshot and police are investigating why the napkin dispute broke out. Both men could end up facing charges. (Reuters)
Dangerous neighbour
A war history fan accidentally fired a 2lb cannon ball through the wall of a neighbour's home.
William Maser was charged with reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.
He fired the homemade cannon outside his house in Georges Township, near Pittsburgh, and the shot smashed through a window and a wall before landing in a cupboard. No one was injured. (PA)
Ostrich rampage
A pair of ostriches went on the rampage after they escaped from a farm.
The birds, described by police as being more than 4ft tall, went on the run in Helsby, Frodsham, Cheshire.
One of the ostriches strayed on to the M56 motorway and died after veering into the path of an oncoming truck. Officers took two hours to catch its fellow fugitive after which it was returned to its owner. (PA)