Did NASA Discover City Lights on Another Planet?: A Fascinating Exploration of Extraterrestrial Light Phenomena

No, NASA has not discovered city lights on another planet. This rumor stems from misinterpretations of space images and the excitement around the search for extraterrestrial life. NASA and other space agencies have been actively searching for biosignatures and technosignatures—including artificial lights—as potential evidence of intelligent alien civilizations. However, to date, there is no credible or scientifically verified evidence that city lights or any other direct signs of alien civilizations have been observed on any planet outside Earth.

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FAQ

Q: Have any artificial lights been observed on planets outside our solar system?

A: No, scientists have not detected any artificial lights—such as what you would expect from cities—on any exoplanet.

Q: What kind of signs does NASA look for when searching for alien life?

A: NASA searches for biosignatures (like water, oxygen, or signs of metabolism) and technosignatures (such as radio signals or artificial lights) when scanning distant planets.

Q: Why do people think NASA found city lights on another planet?

A: This myth often comes from misunderstood images, science fiction, or sensationalized news, not from scientific findings.

Q: How does NASA analyze planetary lights?

A: NASA uses powerful telescopes and instruments to detect changes in brightness and spectra, helping separate natural phenomena from potential signs of technology.

Q: Can we currently distinguish between natural and artificial lights from distant planets?

A: With current technology, it’s extremely challenging to distinguish the two—most observations are limited by distance, resolution, and the brightness of host stars.