Searching for Life
⭐ MasteredScientists search for life beyond Earth by looking for planets with liquid water and by studying Mars and icy moons like Europa. So far we haven't found any proof.
Planets orbiting other stars are called exoplanets.
All about Searching for Life
Scientists search for life beyond Earth by looking for planets that have liquid water and the right conditions for life. They also study places in our Solar System, such as Mars and icy moons like Europa and Enceladus, which may have water hidden under their surfaces.
So far, no proof of life beyond Earth has been found. Telescopes can now analyse the atmospheres of planets orbiting other stars, looking for gases that might come from living things, such as oxygen or methane.
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Real-life uses of Searching for Life
- Guiding future robotic missions to icy moons
- Designing telescopes that analyse exoplanet atmospheres
- Helping us understand how life began on Earth
Frequently asked questions about Searching for Life
Have aliens been found?
No. There is no confirmed evidence of extraterrestrial life so far, although the search continues.
What is an exoplanet?
A planet that orbits a star other than our Sun. Thousands have been discovered so far.
Why is liquid water important for life?
Water is essential for the chemistry of life as we know it, so scientists look first for places where water can exist.