Water is the lubricant that allows the gears of life to work. It dissolves essential nutrients, brings together proteins, and makes it easy for cells to enjoy a safe and stable environment. It’s so important that the first question astronomers seeking life on other planets ask is: can it support liquid water? Here you can see the creatures that could inhabit other worlds if the answer were yes. There could be an incredible variety on display. What a sight! Notice how swimming and flying seems very familiar – that’s because liquids and gases flow the same way everywhere.
Creatures gather around the oasis of an alien desert. Also on this planet, a bead of water is enough to support life.