Finding alien life within 50 years seems likely to a slim majority of Americans
Core finding
In a Verasight survey of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted May 22 to 24, 2024, 55% of Americans said humans are at least somewhat likely to discover extraterrestrial life in the next 50 years. This includes 26% who said very likely, with another 29% who said somewhat likely.
About a third said this discovery is unlikely (32%), with 19% who said not very likely and another 13% who said not at all likely. Another 13% said they are not sure.
Topline scale
55% of Americans expect humans to discover extraterrestrial life within 50 years.
How likely is it that humans will discover extraterrestrial life in the next 50 years?
n = 1,000 · May 22–24, 2024 · MoE ±3.3%
Methodology
Full methodology →| Mode | Verasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting |
|---|---|
| Population | US adults age 18+ |
| Field dates | May 22–24, 2024 |
| Base (unweighted) | 1,000 |
| Margin of error | ±3.3% |
| Module | Verasight AAPOR Omnibus Survey #2024-054 |
| Sponsor | Verasight |
| Weight variable | weight |
| Weighting targets | age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status |
Sources
- verasight-aapor-2024.tiiny.co
How likely is it that humans will discover extraterrestrial life in the next 50 years?
Cite this question
Verasight AAPOR Omnibus Survey #2024-054, fielded May 22-24, 2024, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.3%.