NASA Kepler mission finds 26 new planets in 11 new solar systems

This handout illustration provided by San Diego State
University, shows a newly discovered planet, called
Kepler 35, that circles not one but two stars.

The announcement brings the number of confirmed planets to 729, with another 2,300 possibilities

By Roque Planas / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Published: Friday, January 27, 2012, 12:35 AM
Updated: Friday, January 27, 2012, 12:35 AM

The known universe just got a little bigger.

Scientists at NASA's planet-hunting Kepler mission announced the discovery of 26 planets in 11 differet solar systems on Thursday, Reuters reports.

The announcement brings the number of confirmed planets to 729, with another 2,300 possible planets floating around out there.

PHOTOS: AMAZING OUTER SPACE DISCOVERIES

"This tells us that our galaxy is positively loaded with planets of all sizes and orbits," Doug Hudgins of the Kepler program said, according to CNN.  READ MORE