Background Info

Have you ever looked up at a clear night sky? There are so many planets, stars, and even whole
galaxies that it can make your head spin! And to think that our night sky is only one tiny, tiny piece
of the universe. This leads many to ask, “Who else could be out there?” Maybe there are little green
beings with big, bald heads. Maybe there are beings that we cannot even imagine. Either way, some
people feel certain that we are not the only intelligent life in the universe. Others laugh at the idea of
aliens. Do you think that intelligent aliens might exist?

Many people who believe in aliens say that the universe is so big, aliens must exist somewhere in it.
After all, there are hundreds of billions of trillions (a BIG number) of stars in the universe! Most of
these stars have their own planets around them. So, it seems likely that at least one of these planets
is home to thinking beings. Plus, from studying life on Earth, we know that life can exist in many
kinds of environments. This could mean aliens exist on planets that are nothing like Earth!

But if aliens do exist, where is the proof?! There are tons of videos, photos, and stories that claim to
prove the existence of aliens, but most of this “proof” has turned out to be fake. Maybe this
shouldn’t be surprising. People have been playing jokes and telling stories for a long time! In the
end, Earth might simply be special. It is a rare example of a "Goldilocks" planet—not too hot or too
cold. Maybe it's only through this kind of incredible luck that life exists on Earth. If this is the case,
humans would truly be one of a kind.

Now lift your eyes to the sky and wonder: Are we alone in the universe? Share your thoughts,
because you won’t be alone in this Kialo discussion!