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In a study published in Nature Astronomy, researchers from the University of Cambridge questioned whether Venus ever had seas or sustained life. The findings, based on a research of Venus' atmospheric chemistry, indicate that the planet may have been devoid of liquid water throughout its existence. Despite its similarity to Earth in size and closeness to the Sun, Venus appears to have always been an inhospitable planet.
Chemical Analysis Reveals Dry History
The inquiry focused on Venus' atmospheric composition, namely how important gases such as water vapour, carbon dioxide, and carbonyl sulfide are destroyed and replaced. Tereza Constantinou, a PhD student at Cambridge's Institute of Astronomy and the study's principal author, noted that the planet's interior and exterior interact chemically, providing clues about its history. It was determined that Venus' volcanic gases contain less than 6 percent steam, indicating a dry planetary interior incapable of supporting water-based seas.
Theories on Venus's evolution
Two major ideas have attempted to explain Venus' evolution. One theory is that the planet formerly had liquid water but lost it owing to a runaway greenhouse effect. The opposing theory holds that Venus was "born hot," with circumstances unsuited for water from the start. The team's findings accord with the latter, indicating a fundamentally dry past.
Implications of Exoplanet Research
Constantinou told Live Science that these findings might have an impact on the quest for habitable exoplanets. Planets with circumstances comparable to Venus may no longer be regarded ideal habitats for life. She claimed that if Venus never had seas, the chances of comparable worlds having livable circumstances decrease.
According to sources, NASA's next DAVINCI mission, which is slated to launch in 2029, may give further information. Its probe, which is anticipated to fall through Venus' atmosphere, might provide critical information on the planet's surface conditions, but it is not meant to survive the plunge.
The findings highlight Venus's unique development and emphasize the need of focusing on exoplanets with higher habitability potential.
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