Seriously-
Direct observation of an extrasolar planet is just a few years away- it will most likely happen at the VLT or Keck- there has already been a claim that was made of a sighting of an extrasolar planet, but if I remember correctly there was some question about it.
When we are able to observe other planets directly spectroscopic observations will soon follow- allowing us to detect signatures of life. Direct observation of earth sized planets is still a ways off, but it will happen in a few decades- maybe sooner.