For #life to develop on a #planet, certain chemical elements are needed in sufficient quantities.
#Phosphorus is vital for the formation of DNA and RNA, which store and transmit genetic information, and for the energy balance of cells.
#Nitrogen is an essential component of proteins, which are needed for the formation, structure, and function of cells.
Without these two elements, no life can develop out of lifeless matter but there are also more profound consequences.
During the formation of a #planet's core, there needs to be exactly the right amount of oxygen present so that phosphorus and nitrogen can remain on the surface of the planet.
This was exactly the case with Earth around 4.6 billion years ago—a stroke of chemical good fortune in the #universe.
When #planets form, they initially develop out of molten rock.
A sorting process occurs during this time: heavy metals such as iron sink down and form the core, while lighter metals form the mantle and the crust.
If there is too little #oxygen present during the formation of the core, phosphorus will fuse with heavy metals such as iron and move to the core.
This element is then no longer available for the development of life.
On the other hand, too much oxygen present during core formation leads to phosphorus remaining in the mantle and #nitrogen being more likely to escape into the #atmosphere, ultimately being lost.
#astronomy #astrobiology
https://phys.org/news/2026-02-small-planets-suitable-life.html
Paper by Walton et al. (2026):
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-026-02775-z