Abstract
In this paper, I will explore the historical context of our search for extraterrestrial life. Along with this, I will include our current knowledge of the universe, putting emphasis on new discoveries in the field of astrobiology made in the last decade, as well as some expert positions on the possibility of extraterrestrial life being discovered in our future. My exploration includes unpacking and examining the Drake Equation and the Fermi Paradox, along with the implications that they have for each other. I will also include my own version of the Drake Equation and my opinion of the Fermi paradox and a few of its various solutions.