In the early 1970s, two gold plaques were launched into deep space aboard Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11, each engraved with a message from humankind to any extraterrestrial life that might find them. Since then, astronomers have continued to listen and look for life beyond Earth, identifying over 6,000 exoplanets, or planets outside our solar system. Watch NBC 5 free wherever you are WATCH HERE WATCH HEREBut only a small fraction of these exoplanets have the potential to host life. Create a free account with NBC 5 DFW to save articles and videos. LEARN MOREClick here to read more on this report from our partners at The Dallas Morning News.