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Extraterrestrials

Extraterrestrials are hypothetical life forms that originated outside Earth. The term covers a range of possibilities, from simple microorganisms to complex organisms or technologically advanced civilizations that might exist on other planets, moons, or in interstellar space. It does not imply any particular biology, appearance, or level of development.

The scientific study of possible extraterrestrial life is called astrobiology. Researchers search for biosignatures—chemical or geological

Historically, many cultures imagined non-Earthly beings in myths, and modern science fiction has further explored the

To date, there is no verified evidence of life beyond Earth. Investigations into unidentified phenomena have

The discovery of extraterrestrial life would have profound scientific and philosophical implications, influencing biology, anthropology, ethics,

indicators
of
life—in
planetary
atmospheres
and
surfaces,
and
for
technosignatures
such
as
signals
or
artifacts
that
might
indicate
technology.
Missions
to
Mars,
visits
to
icy
moons
such
as
Europa
and
Enceladus,
and
the
study
of
exoplanets
in
their
stars’
habitable
zones
all
contribute
to
understanding
where
life
could
exist
and
how
it
might
be
detected.
idea.
In
astronomy
and
philosophy,
concepts
such
as
the
Drake
equation
and
the
Fermi
paradox
address
estimates
of
detectable
civilizations
and
why
they
might
or
might
not
be
observed.
These
frameworks
are
speculative
and
depend
on
uncertain
variables.
prompted
scrutiny,
but
none
have
established
a
link
to
extraterrestrial
life.
Scientists
emphasize
rigorous
methods,
independent
verification,
and
cautious
interpretation
of
unexpected
observations.
and
space
policy.
Ongoing
research
aims
to
refine
detection
techniques
and
broaden
understanding
of
the
potential
diversity
and
distribution
of
life
in
the
universe.