Astronomers say they are on the verge of finding planets like Earth orbiting other stars, a key step in determining if we are alone in the universe.

A new space telescope has started taking pictures of the star-filled patch of sky where it will soon begin searching for Earth-like planets.

Nasa’s planet-hunting telescope, Kepler, rocketed into space early today on a historic voyage to track down other Earths in a faraway patch of the Milky Way.

Richard Collins on a pioneering mind almost lost to history.

Veteran jockey Pat Eddery has ridden some blinders in his time but his victory on Splendid Era in the Littlewoods Bet Direct AW Owners Championship Novice Stakes at Lingfield today must rank among the most remarkable.