THE SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL LIFE

◦ The search for extraterrestrial life has captured the imagination of scientists and the
public alike. In recent years, significant advancements in astrobiology and space
exploration have brought us closer than ever to answering the age-old question: Are we
alone in the universe?One promising avenue of exploration is the study of exoplanets,
planets orbiting distant stars. Astronomers have discovered thousands of these alien
worlds, some of which reside in the "habitable zone" where conditions might be right
for liquid water and, potentially, life as we know it. Missions like NASA's Kepler and
TESS have expanded our understanding of these exoplanetary systems.Additionally, the
search for life extends to our own cosmic backyard. Mars, with its tantalizing hints of a
watery past, has been a primary target. Rovers like Curiosity and Perseverance are
scouring the Martian surface for signs of past or present microbial life.While we haven't
found definitive evidence of extraterrestrial life yet, the search continues, driven by the
belief that the universe, with its countless stars and planets, likely holds many more
secrets waiting to be uncovered. As technology advances and our exploration efforts
expand, the possibility of making this profound discovery grows ever closer to
becoming a reality.

JANHAVI SINGH
XII B