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National Institute of Astronomical Research, said a team of astronomers. From UK Phosphine molecule discovered, important evidence that may indicate life on Venus
The “National Institute for Astronomical Research” Facebook page published a press release about a major discovery on Venus, stating that astronomers had found evidence that could indicate life on Venus.
Today (September 14, 2020) a team of astronomers is led by Jane Greaves from the University of Cardiff, UK. Discovery of phosphine molecules revealed Which may indicate a possibility That may be caused by life in the atmosphere of Venus. In a research article published in the journal Nature Astronomy.
Atmosphere of Venus
Venus is a planet that is known as Earth’s twin. This is because it is the closest size and distance from the Sun to Earth. However, even though Venus is only 30% closer to the Sun than Earth, the greenhouse environment unfavorable. Giving Venus a dense atmosphere AND storing a lot of heat Until it has a hot surface temperature condition Sufficient to melt lead
Also, the atmosphere is filled with sulfuric acid gas. But there is still the possibility that at some point Venus may have had oceans and climates more favorable to life. Before, greenhouse gases will cause the unconventional greenhouse conditions. And it became the planet closest to hell today
But if we consider it in the upper atmosphere we will find that at an altitude of about 50 km above the surface of Venus there is a temperate climate. The temperature is only 30 degrees Celsius and it may be the right conditions for living organisms.
It is estimated that clouds in the atmosphere of Venus There may be enough chemical components to stimulate reactions that lead to the birth of living organisms. It is predicted that if there is life in the atmosphere of Venus, these organisms can use the sun’s ultraviolet rays as a source of energy. This may be an explanation for the mysterious UV absorber in the atmosphere of Venus that to this day we do not know the exact answer.
What is phosphine? How important is it?
Phosphine is a molecule that is a compound between the elements phosphorus and hydrogen. It has the chemical formula PH3, similar to the ammonia molecule replaced by phosphorus. On Earth, phosphine is a colorless and flammable gas and is extremely toxic to life.
Yet what makes the discovery of phosphine on other planets so intriguing? Since on Earth, phosphine has only two sources: It is a product formed by the industry. Or that they arise from organisms that live in an oxygen-free environment. This is because on Earth the main source of phosphine is due to the reduction reaction of phosphate compounds. But no environment on Earth can produce a reducing agent that is strong enough to induce a phosphine-producing reducing reaction. In addition to reducing agents found in living organisms, phosphine also readily reacts with other compounds. To find phosphine in the atmosphere, it is imperative that there is a constant source of phosphine production to compensate.
The first question astronomers must answer first is, are there other tactics on Venus? That could produce phosphine molecules.
A team of researchers, led by William Bains of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is trying to assess the natural mechanism by which phosphine could be produced on Venus from sunlight, minerals that explode from the surface below. Volcanic eruptions, lightning strikes, etc., but if you consider it The calculation found that these natural sources are incapable of producing even one ten thousandth of the phosphine content detected by telescopes. But on the other hand If the team looks at the origin of living things it found that if living organisms only work 10% of the maximum limit then enough phosphine can be produced to describe the amount detected in the atmosphere of Venus.
Is it the same as whether we have discovered life on Venus or not?
The discovery of unexplained amounts of phosphine by natural mechanisms. It’s very exciting. And it returns us to the theory of the existence of life in the atmosphere of Venus, however, this finding is far from being a valid confirmation of the existence of life. Although at present The theory that phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus is It is the theory that best describes the most common phosphine content. But to confirm that Venus has a life that is still very distant. Although the upper atmosphere of Venus may be only 30 degrees, the atmosphere in this area is also filled with more than 90% sulfuric acid and we have not found life on Earth that can survive in such conditions. If the atmosphere of Venus contains life It is possible that life on Venus is completely different from any life on Earth.
Source of the National Institute of Astronomical Research of Facebook
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