Venus’ Clouds Could Support Extraterrestrial Life, Say MIT Scientists
In this view of Venus acquired by an infrared camera aboard Japan’s Akatsuki Venus Climate Orbiter, dark higher-altitude clouds hide the lighter mid-altitude clouds. Phosphine gas found in temperate mid-latitude clouds is tantalizing scientists with the possibility of a biological signature. FALSE-COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAXA / ISAS / DARTS / DAMIA BOUIC According to experts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology , the sky of Venus may hold signs of extra terrestrial life. The second planet from our Sun has long been overlooked in the quest for extra terrestrial life. It’s simple to understand why: the Venusian surface may reach temperatures of over 800 degrees Fahrenheit; its dense atmosphere exerts over 100 times more pressure on things than Earth’s atmosphere; and the planet rains sulfuric acid, a corrosive substance that can inflict severe burns in people. As a result, most scientists have concentrated on discovering evidence of ancient alien life on M...