Final answer:
Earth is presently the only known planet with life, but astrobiology research investigates the potential for life in our solar system and beyond. Mars and icy moons like Europa present possible habitats, and the search extends to exoplanets with Earth-like conditions. The Copernican principle supports the widespread quest for life in the universe.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the moment, Earth is the only known planet with a thriving biosphere of life and a rich fossil record. Astrobiology is the scientific field that examines the possibility of life in the universe by studying the conditions and events that may lead to the emergence and sustainability of biological systems. Although Earth's unique factors, such as its distance from the sun, atmosphere and water, make it habitable, other locations within our solar system and beyond are investigated for signs of life.
Mars, for example had conditions billion of years ago that might have supported life, and icy moons like Jupiter's Europa may harbor subsurface oceans potentially suitable for biology.The pursuit of life outside our solar system is also thriving as researchers look to exoplanets orbiting other stars. These celestial bodies might offer environments similar to Earth, increasing the likelihood of finding life as we understand it. The concept known as the Copernican principle suggests that Earth is not unique in its capacity to harbor life and given the vast number of stars and galaxies scientists anticipate the discovery of extraterrestrial life in some form elsewhere in the universe.