Life in space - level 3
Life in space - level 3 27-09-2013 14:00
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
British scientists believe they've discovered life in space. No, it's not little green men but rather tiny organisms in the Earth's stratosphere which is the second layer of our atmosphere.
Scientists at the University of Sheffield found the microbugs on a research balloon they sent 27 kilometres (16.7 miles) into the atmosphere during a meteor shower last month. Similar to this one, they sent out for another experiment.
The tiny organisms were discovered when the specially designed balloon landed back on the ground near Wakefield. But the experts insist that the organisms are not from the Earth's surface and strict tests were carried out to avoid contamination.
Professor Milton Wainwright, who led the team, said the size of the particle found on the balloon was too big to have been lifted from Earth. He said the discovery of the alien organisms could be revolutionary.
Difficult words: meteor shower (when a lot of meteors fall), tiny (very small), insist (be sure about something you know and tell other people), contamination (getting dirty), revolutionary (new and changing everything).