Recently, researchers have studied stars orbits through the use of Kepler Space telescope. The purpose of this is to identify if how some orbiting bodies affect the star. They can determine if a planet exists, its size and its distance from the star. Researchers observe if the star wobble slightly, or its light dim ever so slightly if an orbiting bodies passes in front of it.

Through this method scientists can see if those orbiting bodies are Earth-like planets. That is if they are made of rock, not gas giants, and orbit their stars with the right temperature for liquid water. These are indications that life may had exist.

According to Space, Project Blue this time is planning more direct approach. Unlike that previous research, which is similar to studying planet's footprints than studying the planets themselves, they would actually photograph potentially Earth-like planets to learn more from them.

Since the previous research identified thousands of planets in our solar system that may be potentially Earth-like, the next step is more challenging. Yet, with the technological advancement it is more possible.

This next project would study if these exoplanets are lifeless just like Mars or some may be similar to our Earth. Subject for investigations are the planet's atmosphere, mass, and the surface.

With the help of this new technology, images would be able to record the color that would give a hint if the planet's atmosphere contains the two compounds most essential for life, oxygen and nitrogen. Images would also help determine what the planets are made of. Of course, compositions should always be compared with Earth's mass, as Yahoo News reported.

The similarities it has on Earth, the more it is hospitable. Finally, the image would also reveal the planet's surface. The most visible indication of the planet's hospitability is, if it is colored blue just like Earth, which means liquid water on the surface. That is why the project is called Project Blue.

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