New Experiments Suggest Life Could Endure Venus’ Sulfuric Acid Clouds

While Venus may seem inhospitable to us, there’s a possibility that certain life forms could adapt to its conditions. A recent investigation by MIT reveals that the essential components of life remain remarkably stable in highly concentrated sulfuric acid, which comprises Venus’ clouds.

Early science fiction authors were able to envision Venus as a paradise due to its thick cloud cover. However, advancements in technology soon revealed the harsh reality. Venus is a dry, scorching planet with surface temperatures reaching up to 464°C (867°F) – hot enough to liquefy lead. Its atmospheric pressure is akin to being 900 meters (3,000 feet) below sea level.

Furthermore, the presence of sulfuric acid clouds and a suffocating atmosphere composed of 96% carbon dioxide make Venusian living conditions far from desirable.

While many enthusiasts of extraterrestrial life may focus on celestial bodies like Mars or moons such as Europa, Enceladus, and Titan, Venus has regained attention in recent years.

Scientists believe that conditions become more conducive at altitudes between approximately 48 to 60 km (30 to 37 miles) above the planet’s surface, where temperatures and pressures drop, and water becomes more abundant.

Venus Clouds’ Dark Patches Resemble Earth Bacteria

Curiously, these dark patches have been noticed floating within the Venusian clouds at the same altitude, displaying optical features akin to certain bacterial species identified on Earth.

However, a significant obstacle life may encounter in this airborne refuge is the presence of sulfuric acid clouds. Previous studies have suggested that other airborne particles could shield these clouds, but a recent study indicates that microbes might not require such protection and could potentially thrive while floating within sulfuric acid.

An MIT research team subjected all 20 “biogenic” amino acids, which are fundamental chemicals for life as we understand it, to sulfuric acid concentrations ranging from 81% to 98% – levels akin to those found in Venusian clouds.

Surprisingly, 19 of these amino acids remained stable even at the highest concentrations, with their molecular structures remaining intact throughout the four-week experiment. The study concluded at this point as there were no further signs of chemical activity.

Insights from Study Author Sara Seager on the Implications for Life in Venus’ Clouds

“We are discovering that the basic building blocks of life on Earth can endure sulfuric acid, which is highly intriguing for considering the possibility of life on Venus,” remarked Sara Seager, one of the study’s authors. “This doesn’t imply that life on Venus would resemble life on Earth. In fact, we know it cannot. However, this research suggests that Venus’ clouds might harbor complex chemicals necessary for life.”

Amino acids are not the sole constituents of life that have exhibited resilience in sulfuric acid; the team has previously demonstrated that certain fatty acids and nucleic acids also display similar stability.

Nevertheless, the researchers are cautious to distinguish between complex organic chemistry and actual life, stating that while the ingredients for life could survive in such environments, it remains uncertain whether they are actually present, let alone whether they have evolved into life forms.

The researchers also acknowledge that they simulated less complex atmospheric chemistry in their lab tests compared to the actual conditions on Venus.

Implications of Recent Research on Venusian Life Potential

This research adds some support to the ongoing debate regarding the potential for life on Venus, but unfortunately, the evidence still seems to favor the opposing viewpoint.

One of the most intriguing discoveries occurred in 2020 when astronomers detected phosphine in the Venusian atmosphere, a rare compound typically associated with anaerobic microbes on Earth.

However, subsequent studies suggested that the detected signature was likely attributed to common sulfur dioxide. Furthermore, Venus appears to have limited water and lacks other expected biosignatures.

Regardless, certainty may be on the horizon. The upcoming Venus Life Finder mission aims to dispatch a spacecraft to investigate the acidic clouds for signs of life and is scheduled for launch by the end of 2024.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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