Computer models created by NASA and SETI Project researchers have helped identify which stars among the universe’s 70 sextillion are most likely to support life.

They used two scenarios formulated by the SETI Project: a planet orbiting a sun close enough to keep water from freezing out, yet far enough away to avoid evaporation and a moon orbiting a gas giant and warmed by twin suns.

Then life scientists applied the principles of natural selection and adaptation to populate the planets. They determined creature leg lengths and wingspans using biomechanics algorithms, and they established vegetation height and characteristics according to factors like available light and the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.