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Have you ever imagined if there is intelligent life out there? Have you gazed up at the variable stars and imagined beings like ourselves traveling through the endless limits of space? All of us, at some point, have considered the idea of extraterrestrial life; whether lying out beneath the stars on a warm night, looking out at the Milky Way, or discussing the latest science fiction flick with a gathering of friends. As we ponder the possibilities of conscious life elsewhere in the universe, some questions come to thought: Does the human race lead a solitary survival among the stars, floating alone through space on our giant blue-green ball?

Are there asteroids elsewhere in the universe which possess the conditions for life to have arisen as it did here? The core for the study of life in the universe is governed by Dr. Frank Drake, who is recognized with having conducted the first-ever radio search for extraterrestrial intelligence in 1960. Although scientists agree with the formula of The Drake Equation itself, which, in theory, does foretell the number of improvements within the Milky Way capable of interstellar information, we do not currently possess all of the parameters to make an accurate approximation. The most we can do is make a guess. For instance, although scientists have detected over a hundred planets outside of our solar system, these planets have all been larger than Jupiter as it is tough to detect Earth-sized planets capable of sustaining life. New advances in technology are making it possible to discover smaller planets. However, we lack vital information to calculate the equation.

As the S.E.T.I. Institute remains to monitor the heavens in search of intelligent communications from another world, and we hope to one day find the responses to our questions about extraterrestrial life. Although we may continue to listen, yet never discover anything, if we don't listen we'll never know. As the research for life on other planets advances, the mystery prevails.