Scientists have discovered that the right amount of oxygen during Earth’s formation is crucial for life to emerge, as it allows two essential elements – phosphorus and nitrogen – to stay on the surface. If oxygen levels were too low or too high, these ingredients would be lost or trapped deep inside the planet, making life impossible. This finding challenges the conventional view that water alone is enough for life to exist. Researchers now believe that a specific chemical “Goldilocks zone” must be present during core formation, where oxygen levels are just right for life to develop.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260406192917.htm