Most Americans lean toward believing in extraterrestrial life
Core finding
A majority of Americans (56%) come down on the side of believing that extraterrestrial life exists, including 24% who say they strongly believe it does, according to a May 2026 Verasight survey.
About a quarter (23%) fall on the doubting side, including 10% who say they strongly do not believe. The remaining 21% don't lean either way.
Topline distribution
Most Americans lean toward believing in extraterrestrial life.
Do you believe in the existence of extraterrestrial life?
n = 1,000 · May 11, 2026 · 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 11, 2026 |
| Base (unweighted) | 1,000 |
| Margin of error | ±3.3% |
| Module | beliefs |
| Sponsor | Verasight |
| Weight variable | weight |
| Weighting targets | age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status |
Sources
- reports.verasight.io/r/spsp26
Do you believe in the existence of extraterrestrial life?
Cite this question
Verasight SPSP Omnibus Survey #2026-045, fielded May 11-11, 2026, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.3%.