There are mysteries in Venus it’s time for an Astrobiology mission

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In 2020, scientists detected phosphine in Venus’ atmosphere, which sparked renewed discussions about the planet’s potential habitability. 

Venus is a good target for astrobiological exploration because of its proximity to Earth, potential cloud habitable layer, and surface access for prolonged measurements. The next decade will see seven missions to explore Venus and uncover its mysteries

Here are some other reasons why Venus is an astrobiology target: 

  • Upper cloud The upper cloud is mainly made of sulfuric acid, but also contains liquid water and an unknown UV absorber. 
  • Early formation Venus was once similar to Earth, with volcanic activity and liquid water oceans. For nearly 3 billion years, these oceans and thermal vents could have harbored microorganisms. 
  • DAVINCI Mission The DAVINCI Mission will provide altitude-resolved measurements of atmospheric oxygen in the lower atmosphere. It will also include an infrared camera called VenDI, which will take the first close-up images of the composition and relief of Alpha Regio.

When scientists detected phosphine in Venus’ atmosphere in 2020, it triggered renewed, animated discussions about Venus and its potential habitability. It would be weird if the detection didn’t generate interest since phosphine is a potential biomarker

As of mid-2023, at least ten missions were in development or being planned to explore Venus over the next two decades

Some of these missions include: 

  • VERITAS NASA’s Venus Emissivity, Radio Science, InSAR, Topography, and Spectroscopy spacecraft will launch no earlier than December 2027. The mission’s goal is to reveal how Venus’ and Earth’s paths diverged. 
  • DAVINCI A NASA Venus Flyby and Probe that will launch in 2029. 
  • EnVision An ESA Venus Orbiter that will launch in 2031. 

Other missions include: 

  • Rocket Labs’ small probe to look for phosphine, which will launch in 2023. 
  • Flybys on December 27, 2020, August 8, 2021, September 3, 2022, February 18, 2025, December 24, 2026, March 17, 2028, June 10, 2029, and September 2, 2030. 

Most of these missions focus on atmospheric chemistry and surface/interior scientific objectives. Only a few directly address past and present habitability of Venus as a primary science goal. 

Venus has a dense, toxic atmosphere consisting mainly of carbon dioxide with clouds of sulfuric acid. Its surface temperature averages around 465°C (870°F), hotter than the surface of Mercury.

Some modeling suggests water could have existed for 1 billion to 3 billion years.” The next decade will see seven missions to explore Venus and uncover its atmospheric and surface mysteries. Limaye is hopeful that the missions will answer questions about a planet long considered hostile to life

In 2020, scientists discovered phosphine gas in Venus’ atmosphere. This discovery sparked debate about the possibility of life on the planet

Phosphine is a colorless, flammable, and extremely toxic gas with a garlic-like odor.  It’s typically released by living organisms.  On Venus, phosphine is a minor gas, existing at a concentration of about 20 out of every billion molecules in the atmosphere. However, researchers point out that phosphine produced by life on Earth can be found at even lower concentrations in the atmosphere. 

While the detection of phosphine could potentially serve as a biosignature, it could also be attributed to other mechanisms that are currently not completely comprehended. 

Venus’ surface is incredibly inhospitable, reaching temperatures around 900 degrees Fahrenheit (475 degrees Celsius). However, conditions about 30 miles (50 kilometers) up in the clouds are much more temperate and Earth-like.

In 2023, scientists confirmed that traces of phosphine were present in Venus’ atmosphere. Phosphine is a gas that’s made up of hydrogen and phosphorus, and is flammable and toxic on Earth. It’s also a potential biosignature, meaning it’s a chemical that’s strongly associated with biological processes

In 2020, scientists detected phosphine in the clouds of Venus, which led to speculation about the possibility of life on the planet. Phosphine is a molecule that’s associated with biological activity on Earth. On Earth, microbes that live in oxygen-free environments create phosphine. 

The phosphine was found at a depth deeper than previously observed. It was also found in the habitable region of Venus’ atmosphere. 

However, most astronomers believe that it’s impossible for life to exist on Venus. Venus is a very dry planet with no evidence of water. Its surface temperature is hot enough to melt lead, and its atmosphere is so thick that the air pressure on its surface is over 90 times that on Earth

Here’s some more information about Venus: 

  • Plate tectonics A study published in October 2023 suggests that Venus may have had plate tectonics in ancient times. This could have made the planet more habitable and capable of supporting life. 
  • Volcanoes Researchers have mapped out at least 85,000 volcanoes on Venus, and some of them may be active. 
  • Surface water A 2019 study concluded that Venus may have had surface water and a habitable condition for around 3 billion years. 
  • Spacecraft More than 40 spacecraft have launched for Venus, and NASA plans to launch two missions to Venus in the next decade. 
  • Transits The most recent transit of Venus was on June 5–6, 2012. The next transits of Venus will take place on December 10–11, 2117 and December 8, 2125. 

Here are some other facts about Venus: 

  • Venus is the second planet from the sun, and it’s a bit smaller than Earth. 
  • Venus spins backward compared to Earth, so the sun would rise in the west and set in the east. 
  • Venus has an active surface, including volcanoes. 
  • Venus’ atmosphere is 96% carbon dioxide and 3% nitrogen. 
  • Venus’ surface temperature is 900° F (480° C). 
  • Venus’ length of day is 243 Earth days, and its length of year is 225 Earth days. 

Although not currently habitable, Venus lies within the Sun’s “Goldilocks zone,” and may have been habitable before Earth. Contrary to its serene appearance, Venus is a world of intense heat, crushing atmospheric pressure and clouds of corrosive acid

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