The search for exoplanets—planets outside our solar system—has transformed our understanding of the universe and the potential for life beyond Earth. Since the first confirmed discovery in the 1990s, thousands of exoplanets have been identified, ranging from gas giants to rocky worlds similar to our own. Advances in technology, particularly the use of space telescopes like Kepler and TESS, have allowed astronomers to detect these distant worlds by observing the dimming of stars as planets pass in front of them.

Studying exoplanets helps scientists understand planetary formation and evolution, as well as the conditions that might support life. The discovery of Earth-like exoplanets in the habitable zone of their stars raises exciting possibilities for future exploration. As techniques improve, the search for exoplanets continues to inspire curiosity about the cosmos and our place within it, ultimately fueling humanity’s quest to answer the age-old question: Are we alone in the universe?