Scientists have said that if life existed on Venus, it would not be like any living creature born on Earth. They would have to survive in an atmosphere almost without water, according to a Nature Astronomy report.
Representatives from Queen’s University Belfast analyzed the composition of the atmosphere on Venus to see if it is suitable for living organisms. It is known that some types of microbes (extreme bacteria) can adapt to the harshest conditions.
But, as the calculations showed, the humidity on Venus is only 0.4%. No known organism can survive in such an environment.
The authors of the scientific work explained: “This is a hundred times less than the norm.”
To calculate the water’s concentration, the scientists used measurements from seven US and Soviet probes and one orbital mission sent to Venus in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They also calculated the amount of moisture on other planets and came to the conclusion that the amount of water necessary for life is present in Jupiter’s clouds.
The text of the scientific work says: “There is at least one layer in Jupiter’s clouds, in which water needs are met.”
But it’s too early to talk about the possibility of life emerging on Jupiter, as other factors, such as energy sources and ultraviolet radiation, must be taken into account.
Several missions will be sent to Venus in the coming years.