Commentary: The habitability mantra: Hunting the Snark

Abstract

The origin of life and the existence of extraterrestrial life are among the most important scientific puzzles of our time. Humans have embarked on a great quest, the discovery of extraterrestrial life: We are seeking the Snark. The work of characterizing celestial bodies within our solar system and beyond contributes toward solving the puzzle, and future astronomical observations of exoplanets are also essential. However, in promoting those efforts or the choice of targets, excessive emphasis on habitability is bad science policy: It presumes a greater understanding of the concept than we currently possess, and it may fail to recognize the extraordinary diversity of planetary environments.

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