NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration


Ask an Astrobiologist
"As the earth loses mass because of burning fossil fuel, has the earth moved closer to the sun? "
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  1. Question

    Does water exist on other planets?

    Water, a simple chemical compound of two of the most abundant elements (hydrogen and oxygen), is found throughout the universe. There is some water on most of the planets and satellites. In the outer solar system it is abundant, with many satellites made up of half water. However, most of this water is frozen as ice. Liquid water, which is thought to be essential for life, is much more rare. The most interesting sites for large quantities of liquid water are Mars and Europa, both of which are possible abodes of life.
    March 24, 2003