Scientists have discovered the potential for biological activity in the atmosphere of Venus. While researchers have not seen small aliens flying around the planet in their spaceships, one recent journal study reveals the existence of phosphine in the planet’s atmosphere. Not only that, but Rakesh Mogul and other researchers from Cal Poly Pomona suggest that ‘biologically relevant chemicals’ exist in the sky around Venus.
Here on earth, phosphine is, of course, a chemical that is largely produced by living organisms. This, coupled with the above biologically relevant chemicals, leaves scientists scratching their heads over whether life can live on Venus.
“We re-examined the archival data obtained by the Pioneer Venus Large Probe Neutral Mass Spectrometer,” Mogul and his team wrote in their study summary, published in the March issue of Promotion of Earth and Space Science. “Our results reveal the presence of several small chemical species in Venus’ clouds, including phosphine, hydrogen sulfide, nitric acid (nitrite), nitric acid (nitrate), hydrogen cyanide and possibly ammonia.”
The team adds: ‘The presence of these chemicals indicates that the clouds of Venus are not in equilibrium, thus illuminating the potential for chemicals yet to be discovered. Looking further at the potential habitability of Venus’ clouds, our work shows a potential signature of anaerobic phosphorus metabolism (phosphine), as well as important chemical contributors to anoxic photosynthesis (nitrite) and the terrestrial nitrogen cycle (nitrate, nitrite, possibly ammonia and N2). “
What exactly does this mean? At the very least, it means that Venus’ atmosphere simply contains the same chemicals that are produced by living things here on earth. Whether the same chemicals can be produced by venus-bound objects – alive or otherwise – remains to be seen.
Mogul and his team do say that the existence of these chemicals can be proof redox disequilibria, processes that represent the existence of life in some form, way or form, even if it means microorganisms living in the atmosphere.
“The focus on the minor and track [chemical] species was minimal, ”Mogul said recently The Planetary Society. “This is what we realized after looking at the archive data and the accompanying publications. We immediately found signals in data that other publications did not discuss or mention. That was all we needed to move on.”
The full study can be read here.
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