> Science cannot conclusively prove [...] the existence of a single planet outside this solar system.

Science has so far conclusevly proven the existence of 17 planets outside of our solar system. This is done by identifying the "wobble" in the star's position due to the planet's gravity, and also by predicting when the planet will pass infront of the star, dimming it.

Naturally, these techniques only allow us to see large planets (the smallest so far is twice the size of Jupiter), so we have no signs yet of an Earth-like planet.

> While i realize that mathematics [...] may suggest such, we are FAR (i.e., distance to nearest star) from making visual contact with any planets orbiting other stars.

I imagine it will be several decades before decent images of a distant planet appear, or any images at all.

> Life here couldn't get much more significant than that (in my uneducated opinion), regardless of its non-effect on outside systems.

Life is (indirecty) what allows us to assign importance and significance to the Universe. I believe that what I do now will not make one whit of difference 60 trillion years from now when the Universe cools and dies, but in the short term,my actions affect (indirectly) thousands of people every day.

That is significant and taking a cosmic view of these things to say that nothing matters is foolish and, if taken to extremes, very dangerous for everyone involved.

winter"staring into the Void, seeking the face that stares back"mute