ABSTRACT

Analysis of current Kepler observations show the presence of over 1200 candidate planets, 2200 eclipsing binary stars, and variable stars of amazing variety. Most of the planetary candidates are smaller than Neptune. Several candidates are found in the habitable zone of the host stars. Candidates as small as Earth in short period orbits are being detected. Discoveries of 15 exoplanets are shown including one star with six transiting planets. The candidates and the announced planets are compared with known exoplanets with respect to mass, size, density, and orbital period. In addition to radial velocity measurements, the observed gravitational interaction between planets in near-resonant orbits is being used to determine planet masses. Asteroseismic analyses of the Kepler stars provide a wealth of information on both main sequence and evolved stars. Highly accurate values for stellar and planet sizes have been derived. Measurements of stars in the star clusters in the field-of-view are underway to extend the rotation rate versus age relationship to gigayear periods.