Human-like civilisations may thrive on distant exoplanets, new study reveals

A new study from Penn State University suggests that human-like life could exist on other planets. The research challenges long-held assumptions about the rarity of intelligent civilisations. Lead author Daniel Mills claims the findings increase the chances of finding societies similar to our own. The 2025 study argues that 'intelligent life'—defined here as human-like existence—may not be unique to Earth. Mills and his team developed a framework that applies to other worlds, assuming intergalactic biodiversity is infinite. This contradicts physicist Brandon Carter's 'Hard Steps' theory, which states that human existence required exceptionally rare conditions.

Astrophysicist Lisa Kaltenegger has identified 45 Earth-like exoplanets in habitable zones, with 24 potentially supporting life. The study speculates that some of these planets might host advanced civilisations. It even suggests they could possess high-tech weapons to deflect asteroids or resist off-world colonisation attempts. The research raises ethical questions about Earth's billionaires, such as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. If they attempt to colonise other planets, they might face accusations of hostility toward potential extraterrestrial inhabitants. The study also hints that these civilisations could have fairer economic models than Earth's.

The findings open new possibilities for the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. With 24 promising exoplanets already identified, future observations may confirm the existence of human-like societies. The study's framework could guide further research into interstellar biodiversity and its implications.