Has NASA discovered alien life?

The space agency's announcement of an ET-related "astrobiology finding" has bloggers furiously speculating — but not everyone is holding his breath for a big revelation

The notion that intelligent life exists on other planets or moons continues to bewitch humans.
(Image credit: NASA)

NASA has sparked considerable speculation after announcing a Dec. 2 press conference to discuss a "finding that will impact the search for evidence of extraterrestrial life." The rumors grew louder after the scientists slated to speak turned out to be astrobiologists — those who study life in the universe — and others who have looked for living organisms on Mars and the moons of Saturn. Although a spokesperson has dismissed the speculation as "mostly erroneous," curiosity remains high:

This might be "what we've all been waiting for": No wonder rumors are "skyrocketing on the Internet," says Lee Speigel in AOL News. Announcing an "astrobiology" discovery tied to "evidence of extraterrestrial life" is "quite an eye-opening mouthful." People seem hopeful that the news will involve "signs of life, albeit microbial," on Mars, or "potential life" on the Saturn moon Rhea.

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