[drzaiusapelord]

I understand, but that's a synthetic benchmark. We actually have no idea why Earth has life and other planets don't and similarity to Earth may not be a big factor (see theories on life in Europa's seas for example or non-carbon based life).

I just feel everyone gets excited over nothing solely because its extra-solar. Our own solar system is fairly diverse. If life was common, we'd probably be seeing more of it here.

[ericson578]

maybe life is common enough, but doesn't typically overlap in time. Maybe life on mars or venus died out a billion years ago.

We'll have a better picture when we study our solar system in more detail. Maybe 100 years? I agree that speculation this early in the game isn't enough to get excited over.