Hellish Venus is scorching, not only in temperature but also in scientific interest. The possibility of high-altitude life in its cloud-covered atmosphere is under scrutiny, prompting the first-ever private mission to Venus. The Venus Life Finder, led by Sara Seager from MIT, aims to explore signs of life by detecting organic chemistry. Set to launch in January 2025 aboard Rocket Lab's Electron rocket, this mission marks the beginning of Morning Star Missions to Venus.
Mean, Nasty, Aggressive
Last year, Seager and her team delved into the stability of nucleic acid bases in concentrated sulfuric acid, a major component of Venusian clouds. Despite sulfuric acid's harsh nature, the researchers found that crucial molecules for life can remain stable in this environment, challenging the notion that Venus is sterile. The study raises the prospect of complex chemicals supporting life in Venus' atmosphere.
Probe the Cloud Particles
The research encourages designing missions to directly investigate cloud particles for organic material. While the origin of life in concentrated sulfuric acid is uncertain, the findings suggest the potential for life to use it as a solvent instead of water. The researchers emphasize the need for a sample return from the Venus atmosphere for a robust identification of potential life.
Small Bottles… Big Ideas
To explore the possibility of sulfuric acid supporting life different from Earth, Seager and her son conducted experiments. Max Seager, a junior at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, actively participated in the research, even after breaking his arm. The unique aspect of their work lies in its simplicity and the scarcity of previous studies on sulfuric acid as a solvent.
Call to Action
Max Seager and his fellow investigators assert that they are at the dawn of a new branch of astrobiology and organic chemistry. Their call to action, published in the journal Astrobiology, urges the study of organic chemistry in alternative solvents. This research is crucial for a genuine understanding of the habitability of the Galaxy.