Student: Max

Do you think there are aliens in outer-space? This article in Time Magazine suggests that it is possible. However, there is no real evidence yet. The reason it is a possibility is that the universe is so big, it is likely that somewhere there is another planet like Earth. In order for a planet like this to exist, it must be located in the right position in a solar system, where the temperature is just right for life. They call this region a "Goldilocks" region. Scientists have been searching for many years to discover a planet that supports life. They have searched in other Goldilocks regions surrounding other stars, but so far they have had no luck. 

In recent history, people thought that the Earth was the center of the universe, but now we know this is definitely not true. The center of our solar system is a star we call the sun, and outside of our solar system astronauts have discovered many other exoplanets, that appear similar to the earth, orbiing a star. By exploring these other exoplanets scientists hope to discover other Goldilocks regions and therefore other planets that support life. 

It is difficult to research this topic, because the universe is so big, and even the closest stars and planets are very, very far away. It takes a lot of time to travel through space! It is even difficult to see such far distances through our telescopes. We need a very special telescope like the Keplar Space telescope. It is a big, scientific telescope that orbits the Earth. So far, it has found about 10,000 sun-like stars. For example, in 2010 astronauts found a planet called Gliese 581-G, that is located in a star's Goldilocks region, but scientists cannot really be certain that it exists because it is so far away. Some studies doubt that it does, while others guess that it is in fact there. 

Keplar scientists gave their first major report in 2011, and we are waiting to hear the results of their report. It will be exciting to hear what they have found. We know they will continue to search for other planets with Earth-like life.  

1. What does "exoplanet" mean? Please explain it!

2. Why is a Goldilocks region so important in finding aliens?

3. What do you think? Do you think there is life on other planets? Why or why not? Explain your answer.