Americans Weigh In On Life In Outer Space: Poll

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Who’s out there? According to a recent Marist Poll, a majority of Americans believe we are not alone in the universe. Sixty-eight percent of Americans think there is intelligent life on other planets. That is up from 52 percent in 2005.

Nearly three-quarters those Americans — 74 percent — say that the extraterrestrials are at least as intelligent as human beings.

That included a plurality, or 46 percent, who believe that extraterrestrials are more intelligent than we humans are.

And a majority — 55 percent — say they will find us before we find them.

Broken down by age, younger Americans who are under 45 and men are more likely than Americans older than 45 and women to believe there is life on other planets.

Seventy-four percent under the age of 45, including 79 percent of those under 30, believe in extraterrestrials, along with 72 percent of men.

Fewer older Americans (62 percent) and women (64 percent) believe in life on other planets.

This Marist Poll surveyed 1,033 adults between Jan. 29 and Jan. 21. For the complete methodology, go here.

Photo courtesy of NASA.