Scientists have discovered the potential of biological activity in the atmosphere of Venus. While researchers have not seen extraterrestrial boys flying around the planet in their spaceships, a recent study in a 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 around Venus.
Here on Earth, phosphine, of course, is a chemical produced largely by living organisms. This, combined with the biologically relevant chemicals mentioned above, makes scientists scratch their heads about whether or not life could live on Venus.
“We re-examined the archived data obtained by the Pioneer Venus high-probe neutral mass spectrometer,” writes Mogul and his team in the study summary, published in the March issue of Advancing the science of Earth and Space. “Our results reveal the presence of several minor chemical species in the clouds of Venus, including phosphine, hydrogen sulfide, nitric 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 balance; thus illuminating the potential for chemistry yet to be discovered. Moreover, when we consider the habitability potential of Venus clouds, our paper reveals a potential signature of anaerobic phosphorus (phosphine) metabolism, along with key chemical contributions 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. Whether or not the same chemicals can be produced by Venus-related objects – alive or otherwise – have not yet been seen.
However, the mogul and his team say that the existence of these chemicals could be proof redox imbalances, processes that suggest the existence of life in a certain form, way or form, even if it means microorganisms that live in the atmosphere.
“The emphasis on the minor and the traces [chemical] species were minimal, “Mogul said recently Planetary Society. “That’s what we did after analyzing the archive data and the associated publications. We immediately found signals in data that other publications didn’t discuss or mention. That was all we needed for the motivation to continue.”
The full study can be read here.
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