DiscoverWhat in the WorldAre we one step closer to discovering life on other planets?
Are we one step closer to discovering life on other planets?

Are we one step closer to discovering life on other planets?

Update: 2025-11-111
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Do aliens exist? What’s out there in the universe beyond Earth? These are some of the questions which have plagued astronomers and film producers for years.

Well, now astronomers are revisiting these questions following the discovery of a possible atmosphere around an Earth-sized planet about 40 light years away. The exoplanet is called Trappist-1e and may be able to host life.

BBC science presenter Caroline Steel joins us to explain what we need to know about this discovery. Plus, we speak to Ximena from Venezuela and Vanessa from Finland - who are both members of the Cosmic Girls Foundation - about what they make of Trappist-1e.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Mora Morrison and Chelsea Coates
Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal
Editor: Verity Wilde

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Are we one step closer to discovering life on other planets?

Are we one step closer to discovering life on other planets?

BBC World Service