If microbial life is ever confirmed on Mars, on Europa, or in the plumes of Enceladus, it will be the most consequential discovery in the history of science — not because aliens exist, but because it would mean life is ordinary, and the universe is full of it

If microbial life is ever confirmed beyond Earth, on Mars, in the hidden ocean of Europa, or in the icy plumes of Enceladus, it would rank among the most consequential discoveries in the history of science. And the reason is not the one people expect. It would matter not because “aliens exist,” but because of [...] The post If microbial life is ever confirmed on Mars, on Europa, or in the plumes of Enceladus, it will be the most consequential discovery in the history of science — not because ali