Scientists have discovered the potential for biological activity in the atmosphere of Venus. Although researchers did not detect small alien boys flying around the planet in their spacecraft, a recent study in the journal reveals the existence of phosphine in the planet’s atmosphere. Not only that, but Rakesh Mogul and other researchers at Cal Poly Pomona suggest that there are “biologically relevant chemicals” in the air surrounding Venus.
Here on Earth, phosphine, of course, is a chemical produced largely by living organisms. This, combined with the biologically relevant chemicals mentioned, causes scientists to scratch their heads to see if life could live on Venus.
“We re-examined the archived data obtained by the neutral mass spectrometer from the large Pioneer Venus spacecraft,” Mogul and his team write in their study summary, published in the March issue of Advancing in the science of Earth and space. “Our results reveal the presence of several minor chemical species in Venus clouds, including phosphine, hydrogen sulfide, nitrous acid (nitrite), nitric acid (nitrate), hydrogen cyanide, and possibly ammonia.”
The team adds: “The presence of these chemicals suggests that the clouds of Venus are not in equilibrium; therefore, they illuminate the potential of the chemicals yet to be discovered. In addition, when we consider the potential habitability of the clouds of Venus, our work reveals a potential signature of anaerobic metabolism of phosphorus (phosphine), along with major chemical contributors to anoxygenic photosynthesis (nitrite) and the terrestrial nitrogen cycle (nitrate, nitrite, possibly ammonia and N2). “
What does that mean, exactly? At the very least, it means that Venus ’atmosphere simply has some of the same chemicals produced by living things here on Earth. It remains to be seen whether these same chemicals can be produced by objects bound to Venus (alive or not).
Mogul and his team say, however, that the existence of these chemicals could be evidence redox imbalances, processes that suggest the existence of life in some form, form, or form, even if it means microorganisms living in the atmosphere.
“Focus on the minor and the trail [chemical] the species was minimal, ”Mogul said recently The Planetary Society. “That’s what we realized after looking at the archive data and the associated posts. We immediately found signs in data that other posts hadn’t discussed or mentioned. That was all we needed for motivation to continue.” .
You can read the full study here.
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