Over 400 astronomers have called on the European Space Agency (Esa) not to cancel a space mission designed to look for Earth-like planets in space.

The Eddington planet search mission, as well as the lander part of a mission to Mercury, could be dropped to save cash.

"The case for Eddington is strong," says supporter Professor Ian Roxburgh, of Queen Mary College, London.

But a top Esa official told the BBC the situation for the mission was severe, and that it was likely to be cancelled.

First time

If built, Eddington would be launched in 2008.

As well as searching for planets around other stars, it would detect stellar vibrations that will enable astronomers to map the interior structure of stars.

This would help scientists understand better the evolution and ages of stars.

All agree it would be a worthwhile mission that would push back the boundaries.

But Esa faces a major problem in funding for its space science missions.

All of them, with the exception of Eddington and a mission called GAiA designed to map our galaxy, are heavily over budget.

To remedy the situation, the Esa Executive is proposing to cancel Eddington. It also wants to terminate the lander segment of the Beppi Colombo mission to Mercury.

It would be the first time that Esa has cancelled a space mission.

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