The search for another Earth

Are we alone? Are their other planets like ours? Does life exist elsewhere in the universe?

These are questions mankind has been asking for years - since the time of Greek philosophers. But for years, those answers have been elusive, if not impossible to find.

Even more exciting is the fact that astronomers are in hot pursuit of the first discovery of an Earthlike exoplanet orbiting a star other than the sun. The discovery of the so-called "blue dot" could redefine our understanding of the universe and our place in it, especially if astronomers can also find signs that life exists on that planet's surface.

Astronomy is entering a fascinating era where we're beginning to answer tantalizing questions that people have pondered for thousands of years. The PlanetQuest website exists to keep you updated on the latest events and information in this unfolding story.