Throughout the last 50 years, there have been numerous advancements in the science of extra-terrestrial life; although no proof of extra-terrestrial life existing has actually been found. SETI is responsible for many of these advancements. Founded in 1961 by Frank Drake, SETI, through both the indirect and direct search for life, has made great strides in the science of astronomy (“SETI”, 2007). SETI is commonly associated with the “Wow” Signal (a signal picked up by a SETI volunteer in 1977 that seemed like it might have originated from an intelligent extra-terrestrial civilization), and the Drake Equation of 1961 that suggested that there were between 1 and 1, 000, 000 extra-terrestrial civilizations (“SETI”, 2007). With the obvious lack of evidence of this theory, it has been criticized in the past for its lack of evidence (“SETI”, 2007). However, many of SETI’s programs have with out a doubt improved our knowledge of the outer space today (“SETI”, 2007).

           In 2005, two scientists from NASA reported strong evidence of life on Mars (“Mars”, 2007). NASA, doing further research into the subject, soon after disputed their claims (“Mars”, 2007).

             Whether life exists or not outside of Earth is still a mystery, but taking a look at some of the projects set to hit outer space in the near future, perhaps, it won’t stay a mystery for long. On the other hand, it is impossible to say whether Earth is the only habited planet.

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