Life on Venus

Recent scientific breakthroughs and findings have sparked a renewed interest in the possibility of life existing on Venus, a planet that has long been labeled as a scorching, uninhabitable planet due to its harsh temperature and thick atmosphere.

Conditions on Venus

Venus is a planet located closest to Earth in terms of size, orbit, and composition. However, it is uninhabitable by humans as its average surface temperature can reach up to 867°F (464°C), hot enough to melt lead. Its thick atmosphere also boasts of high levels of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid clouds, blocking any chance of sunlight from reaching the surface.

The discovery of Phosphine

In September 2020, a team of astronomers discovered the gas phosphine in the upper atmosphere of Venus, an indicator that life may exist there. According to the team, the only known source for the presence of phosphine is microbial life that thrives in environments lacking oxygen, like those found in swamps and sewage plants. While the presence of phosphine is not a definite proof of life on Venus, it is a promising indication that there might be microbial life present in the planet.

Further research

The scientific community has been actively involved in further research and exploration of Venus since the discovery of phosphine. NASA has announced two proposed missions to Venus, the VERITAS and DAVINCI+, both scheduled to launch between 2028 and 2030. These missions aim to gather more data on the planet’s composition and understand better its history, geology, and possibility of having an environment suitable for life.

The significance of finding life on Venus

Discovering life on Venus can have significant implications, not only in the field of astronomy and planetary studies, but it also paves the way for understanding the possibilities of life present in other planets. It can also change our understanding of the evolution of life in the universe and the possibility of having multiple locations suitable for life.

Conclusion

The recent discovery of phosphine and the planned missions hold promising potential in shedding light on the mysteries of Venus. While there remains much to be discovered and explored with regards to the possibility of life existing on Venus, we may no longer classify it as a barren and uninhabitable planet and instead look towards it as a place where life may exist.