Venus' clouds could potentially have life: Study

Scientists have discovered that Venus's clouds could potentially support Earth-like photosynthesis in their layers due to their ability to filter ultraviolet light from the sun. The chemical conditions in the cloud layers, according to a new study are "potentially conducive" to microbe growth.

The new study claims that Venus' clouds can also provide a suitable environment for photosynthesis not only during the day (116 earth days), but also at night. Photosynthesis can continue at night due to the infrared and thermal energy emitted by the surface.

Furthermore, scientists claim that acidity and water activity levels are within the acceptable range for the growth of microbes on Earth. Venus' clouds work in a similar way to Earth's ozone layer in that they effectively filter UV radiation.

The study comes months after a separate group of researchers said the planet's clouds are too dry and don't have enough water to sustain life.

Rakesh Mogul, lead author of the study and biochemistry professor at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and his colleagues discovered that neutralised forms of sulfuric acid, such as ammonium bisulfate, could be used to make some of Venus' clouds.

'Our study provides tangible support for the potential for phototrophy and/or chemotrophy by microorganisms in Venus' clouds,' Mogul said in a statement.

"We believe that Venus' clouds would make a great target for habitability or life detection missions, like those currently planned for Mars and Europa," says Rakhesh Mogul.

Earlier, in 2019, researchers had said that Venus may have had stable temperatures in its past and could have had 'liquid water' for 2 to 3 billion years.