Traces of phosphine gas found in the clouds above Venus may be an indicator the planet supports microbial life. On Earth, in the absence of oxygen, phosphine — a colourless gas that smells like garlic or rotting fish — is formed spontaneously primarily by certain microorganisms. It can also be released in small quantities from organic matter breakdown or industrially synthesised in chemical plants.
Researchers from the United Kingdom, however, have found traces of phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus — proposing that the Venus must endure unexplained chemical processes, or even life.
Scientists have also mentioned that presence of life is just one possible explanation and still need more research in this aspect.
NASA is reportedly planning two missions to Venus that aim to research the planet’s atmosphere and geochemistry. These mission are called ‘DAVINCI’ and ‘VERITAS.’
The research was conducted by astronomer Jane Greaves of Wales’ Cardiff University and colleagues using both the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope at Hawaii’s Mauna Kea Observatory and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array in Chile.
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