Are We Alone in the Universe?

A team of Swiss, French, and Portuguese astronomers have revealed the discovery of a planet more similar to Earth than any other yet found outside our Solar System. “Because of its temperature and relative proximity, this planet will most probably be a very important target of the future space missions dedicated to the search for extra-terrestrial life,” says team member Xavier Delfosse. “On the treasure map of the Universe, one would be tempted to mark this planet with an X.”



In the September 2006 issue of The Walrus, Monte Paulsen’s National Magazine Award-nominated “Far From Home” looked at some current planet-hunting efforts. We’ve always wondered whether we’re alone in the universe, but this most recent discovery will no doubt yield a fresh wave of speculation. What do you think? Is there life on other planets? How important is it for us to search it out? Should we be seeking another hospitable planet in case environmental degradation forces the human race to abandon this one? And who was cooler, Kirk or Picard?

The floor is yours.