It’s Probably Not Aliens on Venus… But It Could Be | SciShow News

In 2020, researchers discovered phosphine gas in Venus's atmosphere, sparking discussions about potential life. Phosphine, a possible biosignature, was detected using advanced telescopes. While abiotic processes like lightning and volcanoes are considered, they are too slow to account for the observed levels. Hypothetical life forms might exist in Venus's temperate cloud zones, but face challenges from extreme acidity. Future missions, like Bepi Colombo, aim to confirm these findings and explore Venus further.

What was the significance of finding phosphine gas in Venus's atmosphere?

• It indicates the presence of water.

• It could be a sign of life.

• It confirms volcanic activity.

• It proves the existence of oxygen.

Which telescopes were used to detect phosphine on Venus?

• Hubble Space Telescope and Keck Observatory

• Very Large Telescope and Spitzer Space Telescope

• James Clerk Maxwell Telescope and Atacama Array

• Chandra X-ray Observatory and ALMA

Why are abiotic processes like lightning and volcanoes unlikely sources of phosphine on Venus?

• They produce too much phosphine.

• They require the presence of water.

• They are too slow to produce the observed levels.

• They only occur on Earth.

What is one proposed way that life could survive in Venus's atmosphere?

• By living on the planet's surface

• By forming colonies in the upper atmosphere

• By existing as microbial life in the temperate zone

• By adapting to the high temperatures on the surface

What is a major challenge for life existing in Venus's clouds?

• High acidity levels

• Extreme cold temperatures

• Lack of sunlight

• Absence of carbon dioxide