The Chemistry of Life: Why Phosphorus and Nitrogen Rule the Stars

The study also provides a new lens through which to view our neighbor, Mars. The researchers note that Mars sits slightly outside this chemical Goldilocks zone. While it may actually have a higher concentration of phosphorus than Earth—which could theoretically make it easier to grow food in Martian soil—it suffers from other chemical imbalances. For instance, the Red Planet is significantly poorer in nitrogen and its surface is contaminated with harsh salts and perchlorates. This suggests that even if Mars once had water, its internal chemistry may have always struggled to support a thriving, Earth-like biosphere.