If somebody told you that Venus could host life, you would be stupefied, especially after learning that Venus’ surface can reach up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit and that its atmosphere is mostly made of sulfuric acid and carbon dioxide. However, with the aid of high-tech telescopes we now know that there could be aerial microbes living on Venus. 
  
James Clerk Maxwell and Alma telescopes were able to scan Venus’ skies in search of radio wavelengths indicating organic molecules, which could lead to determining the presence of extraterrestrial life. To the surprise of scientists, phosphine, one of the organic markers of life, was detected at equatorial latitudes and 32-37 miles of altitude. 
  
Phosphine is commonly associated on earth with anaerobic ecosystems. Interestingly, the amount of phosphine found in Venus is a thousand times more than on Earth, but scientists have determined that this high a concentration of gas is not possible to create by abiotic and chemical processes. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that without the presence of these supposed Venusian microbes, phosphine would not be present on Venus’ atmosphere, as it would be consumed by the effects of ultraviolet radiation. 
  
While this data needs to be reanalyzed with different methods, it is important to know that there are examples of ‘tough’ earth microbes that are able to thrive in hot springs, volcanic land, and even 6 miles up in the clouds. Nevertheless, it is exciting news that leads to the possibility that life can exist in the most grueling environments. We may not be alone after all! 

Borja Barbero Barcenilla 
 
Borja is a doctoral student in the Department of Biochemistry. 

- Borja Barbero Barcenilla

Borja is a doctoral student in the Department of Biochemistry.