Claim: Paranormal pertains to alien life.

Extraterrestrial life , Where `` extraterrestrial '' is derived from the Latin extra -LRB- `` beyond '' , `` not of '' -RRB- and terrestris -LRB- `` of Earth '' , `` belonging to Earth '' -RRB- . also called alien life -LRB- or , if it is a sentient or relatively complex individual , an `` extraterrestrial '' or `` alien '' -RRB- , is life that does not originate from Earth . These hypothetical life forms may range from simple single-celled organisms to beings with civilizations far more advanced than humanity . Although many scientists expect extraterrestrial life to exist in some form , there is no evidence for its existence to date . The Drake equation speculates about the existence of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe . The science of extraterrestrial life in all its forms is known as exobiology .   Since the mid-20th century , there has been an ongoing search for signs of extraterrestrial life . The search encompasses a search for current and historic extraterrestrial life , and a narrower search for extraterrestrial intelligent life . Reflecting the category of search , methods range from the analysis of telescope and specimen data to radios used to detect and send signals of communication .   The concept of extraterrestrial life , and particularly extraterrestrial intelligence , has enjoyed a major cultural impact , chiefly including works of science fiction . Over the years , science fiction both communicated scientific ideas and influenced public interest and perspectives of extraterrestrial life . One shared space is the debate over the wisdom of attempting communication with possible extraterrestrial intelligence : Some encourage aggressive methods to try for contact with intelligent extraterrestrial life , whereas others argue that it might be dangerous to actively call attention to Earth .