Venus: A Surprising Candidate for Alien Life

When we think of extraterrestrial life, Venus isn’t exactly the first place that springs to mind. With blistering temperatures hot enough to melt lead and crushing atmospheric pressure, this neighboring planet seems like a dead end in the search for life. But wait—high in its atmosphere, scientists have uncovered puzzling gases that shouldn't be there unless… something is alive!

The Astonishing Discovery of Phosphine and Ammonia

Over the past five years, researchers have detected phosphine and ammonia in the clouds of Venus. On Earth, these gases are primarily created through biological processes or industrial activities, making their presence on Venus a riveting mystery. Since our hellish neighbor has no factories, could there be microbial life drifting in its clouds?

Introducing VERVE: The Mission That Could Change Everything

Enter the UK’s ambitious mission, VERVE (Venus Explorer for Reduced Vapours in the Environment). Spearheaded by Professor Jane Greaves from Cardiff University, this groundbreaking probe is set to hitch a ride with the European Space Agency’s EnVision mission, scheduled for launch in 2031.

From Controversy to Hope: The Phosphine Enigma

The quest for answers began in 2020 when Greaves and her team first detected phosphine using the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope in Hawaii, sending shockwaves through the scientific community. While phosphine on Earth is primarily produced by anaerobic bacteria, the controversial discovery on Venus ignited debates, with follow-up observations failing to replicate the findings. Undeterred, Greaves’s team persisted and noted that the phosphine signal fluctuated with Venus's day-night cycle. This crucial detail suggested a dynamic phenomenon at play!

Ammonia: Another Clue in the Search for Life

Things got even juicier when Greaves's team tentatively detected ammonia, another gas typically linked to biological activity. Yet, no known processes on Venus could account for its presence, adding to the intrigue!

What’s Next? The VERVE Mission Explained

The proposed VERVE mission aims to investigate these mysterious gases further—all for a fraction of the cost of typical planetary missions at just £43 million. A CubeSat-sized probe will separate from the EnVision mission upon arrival at Venus, conducting its own survey while the main mission delves into the planet’s surface and interior.

A Goldilocks Zone for Life?

Interestingly, the most hopeful region for discovering life is around 50 kilometers above Venus's surface. Here, temperatures hover between a comfortable 30°C and 70°C, and atmospheric pressure resembles that of Earth. In this 'Goldilocks zone,' extremophile microbes, imagined remnants from a more temperate Venus, could potentially survive!

Why This Mission Matters

Understanding whether life ever existed on Venus could rewrite our knowledge of the universe. If VERVE finds evidence of life, it could be one of the most monumental discoveries in history—proof that we are not alone in the cosmos!