Introduction

Water is a fundamental molecule for life, vital to every living organism on Earth. Its significance is so profound that scientists, particularly astrobiologists, prioritize the search for water on other planets, both within our solar system and beyond, as a key indicator of potential life. The presence of water suggests that a planet could support life, making it an essential resource in the search for extraterrestrial habitats. But what makes water so crucial for life? What unique properties does it possess, and how do these properties support the existence of living organisms? These are the questions we explore in this chapter.