Why Should I Care About Exoplanets?
Have you ever wondered, while looking up at the night sky, whether anyone or anything is looking back?
Did you know that, sometime in the next few years, we may find out?
Humans have wondered whether they are alone in the Universe ever since there were humans. Until recently, they have only been able to look up at the stars and wonder.
We know that there are hundreds of billions of stars in our galaxy, and countless other galaxies like ours.
We haven’t discovered any proof of alien life yet, but – given the size and complexity of the Universe – many scientists think that it's just a matter of time. Life as we know it requires a planet to live on, and the presence of liquid water.
You Are Here!
(Actually, we can’t really see such a view of our galaxy – because we’re inside of it! But this is an image of a similar galaxy and showing about where our Solar System would be located.)
Over 5000 exoplanets – planets around other stars – have been discovered, and new ones are being announced all the time. Telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope will be able to study the atmospheres of these planets to confirm if they will be able to sustain life or not.
You have a chance to make a key contribution to this ancient search, and may help determine whether we are alone in the Universe, or live in a cosmos teeming with life! You can help figure out the answer.
Welcome to Exoplanet Explorers! Let's get started!
