NASA Astronaut Says Aliens Exist: It's ‘Arrogant’ To Think We're Alone In The Universe

The question, "Are we alone in the universe?" has been one of the most complex thoughts that has baffled many of us. We have not found yet any conclusive evidence of outer space life. However, a NASA veteran believes there is life somewhere out there, and that it is "arrogant" to say we are alone in the void.

Dr. Leroy Chiao discussed his idea in Space.com, fueled by the recent discovery of an exoplanet orbiting Proxima Centauri, the closest star from our solar system. The planet, named Proxima b, is believed to be orbiting in or near the Goldilocks zone, where right temperatures make it possible for a planet to support life.

"I believe that there is life all over our universe, since it would be the height of arrogance to think that we are alone," Chiao said, adding he had thought of the question as he flew many times in space. But, he explained the search won't be easy due to astronomic distance and technological limitations. However, he expressed confidence that in this century, at least, humanity would be more likely to find evidence of past, or even current microbial life on Mars. 

The veteran also said that life on Earth would face demise, no matter what. "At some point, life on Earth will die out, either from natural causes, or from our own doing," the former astronaut said, comparing it to human life and natural progression. He also expressed that technology is "hastening our collective demise," instead of helping us survive.

Incidentally, Chiao has spent 229 days in space, conducted four missions and six spacewalks in his 15-year career for 1990 to 2005. He had also been one of the commanders on the International Space Station.

Other scientists have also expressed belief that alien life does exist. In 2014, astronomers from the Search of Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute or SETI said in a US Congress hearing that alien life were "perhaps ubiquitous," and claimed that humanity would find it in the next 20 years. 

Last year, NASA scientist William Borucki told the South China Morning Post that there has been no evidence of alien life found even though exoplanets have been found. "Our future is here on Earth," he said, urging people to do more to keep Earth's climate hospitable.