[OldDeckHand]

"Why do scientists assume that the conditions for life have to be as they are here?"

I think many of them don't. When Ballard discovered the abundance of life in the immediate vicinity surrounding the black-smokers on the ocean floor, most scientist began to rethink their understanding of life, and broadened their of the kinds of environments that will support life - whatever that really is.

I've heard Neal Degrasse Tyson say that he believes that we probably can't begin to comprehend or imagine the kinds of life that exists outside our own planet.

[CaptRon]

I believe Dr. Tyson is correct. And we have pictures of Europa which show seas, which might not mean there is life, but we could safely check it out.

[CaptRon]

And I think those smokers have changed a LOT of minds. As a species we can be arrogant sometimes.

[OldDeckHand]

Oops, I dropped a word. My fingers can't keep up. It should have read...

"their understanding of the kinds of environments that will"