“Do we believe there is life beyond Earth? I would venture to say that most of my colleagues here today say it is improbable that in the limitless vastness of the universe we humans stand alone.” NASA scientists say they’re closer than ever to finding habitable planets and life beyond our planet. (Good, because we’re getting bored with destroying the Earth.)

+ Slate’s Gregory Benford on how to terraform the moon and make it habitable and a lot like Florida. That’s an idea that can make an entire galaxy cringe.