Researchers said it helps to explain the enduring popularity of science fiction, such as “Star Wars” franchise 40 years after the first movie was screened.
On the eve of the release of “The Last Jedi”, researchers published findings that 47 percent of more than 26,000 respondents believe “in the existence of intelligent alien civilisations in the universe”.
An even greater 61 percent said “yes” when asked if they believe in “some form of life on other planets”.
Roughly a quarter said they do not believe intelligent life exists beyond Earth, researchers at Glocalities said.