All that said, the findings can’t confirm the terrestrial life theory beyond a doubt. There’s still a chance hydrogen-heavy meteorites helped us along. Still, the new evidence makes a strong case that ancient Earth had the ability to form water all on its own—no space rocks needed.

Researchers say they discovered evidence that early Earth was home to more hydrogen than previously thought, calling into question widely held beliefs about the origins of water and the planet’s evolution.

Scientists have long questioned whether an early Earth could have contained the appropriate hydrogen and oxygen on its own to create the water on our planet.