Re “7 Earth Sized Planets Discovered, just a mere 40 light years away,’’ Metro, Feb. 22: This fascinating discovery shows us how little we know of the universe, but it also serves to remind us of what a rare phenomenon our earth is. Although it is interesting in its own right to learn about planets and other celestial objects that are unimaginable distances from us, it should also serve to remind us that we must do all we can to preserve the only planet we know that is fit for human habitation, Earth. We should also encourage our lawmakers to adequately fund NASA and other scientific agencies to ensure more great American discoveries in the future. The quest for knowledge and reaching for the stars, literal and figurative, is what has made America great.

Edwin Andrews

Malden