Yes, it is highly plausible that there are other Earth-like planets in outer space. The vast number of stars in the universe, each potentially hosting their own planetary systems, suggests that the conditions for Earth-like planets could exist elsewhere.
The search for exoplanets (planets orbiting stars outside our Solar System) has made remarkable progress in recent years. NASA's Kepler and TESS missions, among others, have discovered thousands of exoplanets, including many that are in the habitable zone of their star—the region where conditions could support liquid water, a crucial ingredient for life as we know it.
Several factors contribute to the possibility of Earth-like planets:
Abundance of Stars: The universe contains billions of galaxies, each consisting of billions or even trillions of stars. With such an enormous number of stars, it is reasonable to assume that there are many star systems similar to our own, potentially hosting Earth-like planets.
Diversity of Planetary Systems: Exoplanet discoveries have revealed a wide range of planetary systems with different sizes, compositions, and orbital characteristics. This diversity suggests that Earth-like planets with suitable conditions for life may exist in different parts of the galaxy.
Habitable Zone: Earth-like planets need to be located in the habitable zone of their star, where conditions are neither too hot nor too cold to support liquid water on their surfaces. The discovery of exoplanets in the habitable zone indicates that these conditions can be found beyond our Solar System.
Ingredients for Life: Many of the essential building blocks of life, such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, are abundant throughout the universe. Additionally, the discovery of organic molecules in space and on other celestial bodies suggests that the necessary chemical components for life are widespread.
While we have not yet discovered an exact replica of Earth or confirmed the existence of extraterrestrial life, the existence of other Earth-like planets is a real possibility. Future advancements in technology and continued exploration of exoplanets will undoubtedly provide further insights and potentially answer this profound question about our place in the universe.