Liquid Water Hypothesis

The Liquid Water Hypothesis suggests that liquid water is essential for life because it acts as a universal solvent, facilitating chemical reactions necessary for biological processes. Water's unique properties—such as its ability to dissolve many substances, maintain stable temperatures, and support the structure of molecules—make it an ideal environment for life to develop and thrive. This hypothesis is a key reason scientists focus on finding planets or moons with liquid water when searching for extraterrestrial life, as water significantly increases the chances of habitable conditions.