In Conclusion...

Astronomers have approached the problem of finding extra solar Earth-sized planets in many different ways. They have moved past techniques better suited for Jovian planet detection—notably astrometry, interferometry and radial velocity—and have looked toward microlensing, a more promising method. Moving from ground-based to space-based investigation, the Kepler and CoRoT missions are propelling the work to find Earth-sized planets many light-years away. The GLIESE 581C and 581D planets are also paving the way for possible discovery of habitable terrestrial planets. With this advanced technology, astronomers are attempting to uncover more about the universe in which we live.