Astronomers find 32 'exoplanets'

The question as to whether we are alone in the universe remains unanswered but perhaps we are inching a bit closer.

Astronomers working at the European Southern Observatory in Chile, have announced the discovery of 32 more planets.

The discovery brings to more than 400 the total number of "exoplanets" or planets outside our solar system.

Dr Bruce Betts, a planetary scientist with the Los Angeles-based Planetary Society, explained how these new planets were discovered.

First broadcast 19 October 2009