We just have to keep our eyes open. One thing scientists can do is use our planet's creatures to draw a few conclusions about life as we know it. They use this criteria to determine whether other worlds have the potential for life. Of these, carbon is the one that holds things together. Because of its shape, a carbon atom can grab onto other elements easily and hang on tight, forming large molecules.
Scientists say it's doubtful.
One possibility is silicon, which can form complex molecules, as carbon does. But the compounds it creates are not as stable as carbon, meaning they can fall apart easily. That's why most scientists reject the notion of a living world based on silicon. NASA image . Carbon has a unique chemistry that no other element does, and because of that, it is certainly the best element for life.