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One question that seems to always linger in science is that if there are any other lifeforms somewhere in outer-space. The universe is huge, there must be other forms of life out there, right? Anyone who tries to make that claim will be responded to with a simple ‘Prove it.’

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Diagram of solar system and habitable zone within.

Well, according to NASA we aren’t alone. And based on the advancements in space telescope technology, we are not very far from discovering that. Kevin Hand, NASA Astronomer, was quoted saying that he believes we will discover other inhabitants of the galaxy in the next 20 years. Another NASA Administrator, Charles Bolden, added to this statement by saying “It’s highly improbable in the limitless vastness of the universe that we humans stand alone.” About a year ago, NASA’s Kepler Telescope discovered a planet similar to Earth in the habitable zone of another star. This was the first Earth-like planet to be discovered around another star. Scientists say there cound be as many as 40 billion habitable planets out there.

However, Geoffrey Marcy of the University of California-Berkley argues that the ability to be inhabited, and the actual formation of life are two huge differences. Merely being able to support life isn’t enough to turn non-living matter into actual living things to roam the planet. Life on Earth can only be speculated about, leaving us clueless to what it takes to start life on another planet. We could be the one of the 40 billion that got lucky or we could be one of many included.

So as I stated, whether we are alone or not in the universe is a question that will remain lingering in science. We may, however, have our answer to it in the very near future. With the development of new telescopes and space-roaming technology, it really doesn’t seem far away.

Table Top model of the Kepler Telescope: A Mission in search of Habitable Planets around other stars. NASA Ames photographer Tom Trower

Kepler’s Space Telescope, discovered first earth-like planet.