Exoplanets

I can't help but marvel at the incredible number of planets outside our own solar system (exoplanets) that are being discovered.  Over 2,000 have been found since the late 1990s, although some are still awaiting confirmation.  Some of these may be Earth like with water.  Many scientists believe (although I am more skeptical based on lack of available evidence) that where there is water there is life.

Even if liquid water is very rare on other planets, consider the numbers.  Recent calculations suggest that there may be around 100 billion planets in the galaxy.  100 billion!  Add to that the fact that there are estimated to be 100 billion galaxies in the universe.  Imagine the possibilities.  There's more than enough room for a few alien lifeforms to be tucked into a some solar systems around somewhere.