Alien hunt boost as 'widespread' water found on Pluto

But further analysis has now revealed the ice is even more widespread than previously thought – and covers much of the mysterious space rock.

Excited space boffins have branded the breakthrough an "important discovery" as they hunt for extraterrestrial lifeforms.

Water is key to the presence of life – and a good place to start looking for little green men.

The surface of Pluto plummets as low as -240C.

But tony organisms have been found living in ice in the coldest parts of Antarctica.

A NASA spokesman said: "The new map shows exposed water ice to be considerably more widespread across Pluto's surface than was previously known — an important discovery. "

New Horizons – the space probe that sent back the watery snaps – is now heading off into deep space.

The search for Martians took a giant leap forward after astronomers discovered running water on Mars last year.

But some scientists believe Jupiter's icy moon Europa – which is literally covered with water – offers a better chance of catching an alien fish.

(dailystar.co.uk)