The question of whether there is life outside our solar system is a subject of scientific inquiry and speculation. Given the vastness of the universe, it is highly probable that life could exist elsewhere.
There are billions of galaxies, each containing billions of stars, and many of these stars are believed to have planets orbiting them. The discovery of numerous exoplanets (planets outside our solar system) in recent years has further fueled the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
In terms of how close they could be to us, it is difficult to determine with certainty. The vast distances between stars and galaxies make interstellar travel extremely challenging, if not impossible with our current technology. However, the search for extraterrestrial life is not limited to finding intelligent civilizations capable of interstellar communication or travel.
Scientists are also interested in finding microbial life or simple organisms within our own galaxy, such as on Mars or the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn, which could be more accessible for exploration. The discovery of potential biosignatures or signs of habitability in these locations would be significant in our quest to find life beyond Earth.
In summary, while the existence of extraterrestrial life has not been confirmed, the vastness of the universe and the potential for habitable environments on other celestial bodies suggest that it is a possibility. The search for life beyond our solar system continues through various scientific endeavors, such as the study of exoplanets and the exploration of potentially habitable locations within our own galaxy.