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autumn-knight t1_j1zwd2m wrote

This makes me wonder: if Earth was dependent on water rich asteroids to bring the water we needed to develop life... Would other planets? And, as a follow up, would that make life on other worlds more or less likely? After all, what are the chances of X number of planets being hit by Y number of water bearing asteroids?

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citro-naut t1_j226fcf wrote

Life appears to be an essential ingredient for life so a planets ability to accrete and retain water is critical. But despite the assertion in this article, earth likely accreted with enough water that did not necessitate the need for extraterrestrial delivery. Though, it is highly likely that these highly volatile bodies did deliver some fraction of earths water.

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