A breakthrough new study using NASA's MESSENGER probe hints aliens could live below Mercury's north pole.

Scientists believe that area of the planet might have the right conditions to support some "extreme forms of life" despite how close it is to the searing heat of the Sun. The Planetary Research Institute investigation says life forms could live within glaciers of salt under the surface of Mercury, as they are packed with volatile compounds.

Similar conditions exist on parts of the Earth. Lead author Dr Alexis Rodriguez said: "This line of thinking leads us to ponder the possibility of subsurface areas on Mercury that might be more hospitable than its harsh surface."

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