5 scientific theories about what aliens might look like

Jellyfish? Bugs? Or just like you?

jellyfish
(Image credit: Thinkstock)

We've seen them portrayed in a vast variety of Hollywood films, from the nasty, slimy suckers shown in Independence Day to the precious, teddy-bear-esque creature that charmed us in E.T. But which is closer to the truth? As our understanding of the universe grows and the outlook on our existence is in turn humbled, scientists are beginning to theorize what these extraterrestrials might look like. While opinions can certainly vary (we all have them, no doubt), scientists are forming theirs on the basis of environmental and biological clues rather than science fiction. Does that mean we're closer to the answer? Of course not! Read on below to see the various forms of life scientists are predicting.

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