Global and Persistent 'Polar Wind' (IMAGE) American Geophysical Union Caption The space environment around a planet plays a key role in determining what molecules exist in the atmosphere -- and whether the planet is habitable for life. New NASA research shows that the electric fields around Venus helped strip its atmosphere of the components needed to make water. Credit Credit: NASA/Conceptual Image Lab. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.