Astronomers hopeful of detecting extra-terrestrial life

[Mike]

The chance of discovering life on other worlds is greater than ever, according to Britain's leading astronomer.
Lord Rees, the president of the Royal Society and Astronomer Royal, said such a discovery would be a moment which would change humanity.
It would change our view of ourselves and our place in the cosmos, he said.
His comments come as scientists gather in London for an international conference to discuss the prospect of discovering extra-terrestrial life.
Scientists have been scanning the skies for radio broadcasts from intelligent life for 50 years, and so far they have only heard static.
But the chances of discovering life now were better than ever, Lord Rees said.

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