The new planet
A New Planet, a New Dimension, and a Final Goodbye: Buzz Week in Review
This past week, the possibility of life on other planets got a little more likely. But that wasn't the only space age news. George Lucas, the man who created Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and Jar-Jar Binks (hey, two out of three ain't bad) announced that his "Star Wars" movies are making the journey into 3D. Also, a giant of Hollywood passed away. Check out those stories and more with the Buzz Week in Review.
Scientists find "Earth-like" planet
Even if you're sick of hearing about outer space, we think you're going to agree that this is pretty cool. Astronomers have discovered a new planet that may actually be able to support life. The planet, called Gliese 581g, is about 20 light years away from Earth, so it's gonna take you a while to get there. However, it does possess a few traits that make it stand out to scientists. According to an article that will be published in Astrophysical Journal, the planet is "squarely in the middle of the habitable zone of the star." The habitable zone means that the planet "orbits the star at a distance that allows for the planet to have both liquid water and an atmosphere." Those are two very important things for life. Web searches on "new planet" rocketed upwards 7,232% for the week.
'Star Wars' in a new dimension
Some say that 3D movies are just a fad, and that they're already on their way out. George Lucas is betting otherwise. Lucasfilm announced that the six "Star Wars" films would be getting a 3D conversion. The oft-mocked "Episode One: The Phantom Menace" would be the first converted movie to hit theaters when it lands in 2012. The news sparked a slew of searches on the films as well as the process. Web lookups on "how are 3D movies made" posted triple-digit gains. You can read more about the plans at the official "Star Wars" site. But don't get too excited yet. As moviegoers have seen, there is a considerable difference in the quality of 3D effects. Here's hoping the revamped "Star Wars" flicks are more "Avatar" and less "Clash of the Titans."
Tony Curtis dies at 85
Acting icon Tony Curtis died this week at the age of 85. The Oscar-nominated star of "The Defiant Ones" passed away at his Las Vegas home. Almost immediately following the news of his death, Web searches on the man, his films, and his famous family all soared. Not surprisingly, "tony curtis pictures" and "tony curtis biography" surged into breakout status. Also seeing renewed interest were many of his better-known films -- classics like "Some Like It Hot," "Spartacus," "The Sweet Smell of Success," and "Operation Petticoat." Curtis, as many people knew, was once married to Janet Leigh, best known for playing the doomed heroine in Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho." Together, Curtis and Leigh were parents to another A-list star, Jamie Lee Curtis. Overall, Web lookups on the late actor spiked an astonishing 10,286% over the week. Clearly, he'll be remembered.
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