Astronomically speaking, we may be lucky to live in this generation.

In a recent panel discussion, high-ranking NASA scientists claimed that humanity is approaching the discovery of alien life, Space.com reported.

Chief scientist Ellen Stofan expressed, "I think we're going to have strong indications of life beyond Earth within a decade, and I think we're going to have definitive evidence within 20 to 30 years."

In earliest figures, that would bring us forward to 2025. At this point, it is no secret that NASA is continuing its efforts in pursuit of other habitable worlds, but identifying new beings would certainly make things far more interesting.

This doesn't mention the fact that such feat would take space in future history books. Or holographic e-books.

Stofan confirmed, "We know where to look. We know how to look... In most cases we have the technology, and we're on a path to implementing it. And so I think we're definitely on the road."

But before one thinks of "Star Wars," "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Interstellar" and the likes, Stofan corrected that the search would start small. The Los Angeles Times took note of the scientist's remarks, who said, "We are not talking about little green men. We are talking about little microbes."

As told by the outlet, recent discoveries have been cited in the presentation, including a study on Mars' atmosphere, which revealed that 50% of the planet's northern hemisphere once had oceans "up to a mile deep."

In addition, it was said that Mars had such water for a whopping time span of 1.2 billion years. Predictably, whatever happened to the planet's water is yet to be detailed, and whether the reported amount was able to sustain any forms of life... if there had been any.

As previously reported, Europa, Jupiter's moon, is seen as a primary candidate for alien life, considering the truth behind the vast oceans underneath its icy crust.

While Europa's oxygen is believed to be "far too thin to breathe," NASA is convinced that the presence of abundant liquid water, along with the energy and chemistry provided by tidal heating, make Europa the "best place in the solar system" to search for life.

In addition, as told by Popular Science, Ganymede, another moon of the giant planet, is recently discovered to house saltwater oceans.

Meanwhile, a study aimed at Enceladus, Saturn's moon, suggested its possession of hot springs.

With all these things predicted, future generations certainly have a lot to look forward to, but it must be remembered that the confidence -- the fuel that propels rockets to groundbreaking discoveries -- springs strongest in our time.

Are you looking forward to meet alien life someday? Do you agree that humans aren't alone in the universe? Sound off in the comments section!