In 2007, life in outer space has become one of science’s hottest topics. What lies beyond Earth? For much of history, humans have been fascinated by the theory of extra-terrestrial life. In Ancient Greece, it was believed by many philosophers that beyond the Earth lay infinite populated worlds (“Extra-terrestrial life”, 2007; Mash, 1993). However, even in Ancient Greece where such a belief was known to be held, the opposite belief was also prominent (“Extra-terrestrial life”, 2007; Wiker, 2002). The philosopher Aristotle, amongst others, disbelieved in the theory of extra-terrestrial life (“Extra-terrestrial life”, 2007; Wiker, 2002). Writings from the Ancient Jews, on the other hand, demonstrated a strong belief in extra-terrestrial life (“Extra-terrestrial life”, 2007; Ohr Somayach International, no date given). In the Talmud, it was written that there exists at least 18 000 worlds other than Earth (“Extra-terrestrial life”, 2007; Ohr Somayach International, no date given). However, in ancient times, there was no true proof of such worlds existing.
Now, thousands of years later, nothing has changed. Albeit the discovery of numerous outer spatial bodies and planets, there is still no proof that extra-terrestrial life exists (“Extra-terrestrial life”, 2007). On the other hand, of course, there is no proof that it doesn’t exist (“Extra-terrestrial life”, 2007). Given the lack of evidence necessary to turn the various theories on extra-terrestrial life into facts, the only thing scientists are able to do is to come up with new hypothesis, and to learn more about the worlds that surround them. This project will touch upon various theories that either support or reject the ultimate question (of whether extra-terrestrial life exists or not), on the searches for life, on the necessities for life to exist (according to today’s scientists), and on planets that could serve as areas where life could survive (once again, according to the theories of scientists).
