Alien Earth visits 'impossible'

Dr Kaiser was speaking following a rise in reported UFO sightings

A leading astronomer has claimed it would be impossible for aliens to visit Earth.

Dr Christian Kaiser, of the University of Southampton, said the distance was too vast for a spaceship to fly.

He was speaking after a spate of reported sightings of UFOs had been made in the area.

However, he did admit it was possible life existed on other planets but the gap between us and the next Earth-like body would prevent the journey.

Dr Kaiser, of the School of Physics and Astronomy, said: "There has been breathtaking progress in finding planets.

"The proof of life on another planet would be a huge scientific discovery and would also severely challenge our social, political and religious thinking.

"However, the distances between stars in our galaxy are enormous.

"Therefore, there is no way that life forms from another planet, if such exist, could have already visited us on Earth."

Dr Kaiser was speaking ahead of a talk for the Bath Science Cafe where he will explain the techniques behind detecting new planets.

The event will be held in Bath, Somerset, on 14 July.