One of the most exciting challenges for humanity is trying to figure out if we are alone in the Universe. All scientific (and not so scientific) search methods are based on knowledge about what we already know for sure, namely, on our own example, which is currently the only one confirmed. Anyone who has thought at least once in their life about how to search for life beyond the earth will begin their reflections with assumptions about the environment in which this life could be developed. Surely they  will assume that the ideal conditions for the emergence and evolution of any form of life is a planet located in the habitable zone of its star; moreover, it is desirable that this star should be similar to our Sun, so that favorable conditions for the origin of life are observed. However, some stars may be too far away or dim for us to detect planets around them. So how do scientists find and explore these exoplanets?

To answer this question, we recommend that you read the article “How to find an exoplanet” published by the ESA. This article will give you a brief overview of each method of detecting exoplanets, as well as tell you about the main missions that have helped and continue to serve in the exploration of these remote and mysterious worlds, in which life may one day be discovered.

Enjoy!