Astronomers from Cardiff University (Great Britain) discovered the presence of phosphine gas (PH3) in the atmosphere of Venus, which creates interest and mystery, because such a gas was not expected on this planet. Phosphorus is usually found in oxidized forms, the portal reported Nature Astronomy.

The research was carried out using single-line spectral detectors on the JCMT and ALMA telescopes with measurement quality down to 15σ in the millimeter range. It is important to note that there are no other confirmed identifications of phosphine gas in the atmosphere of Venus.

Scientists estimate that the phosphine content in Venus’ atmosphere is around 20 parts per billion. The occurrence of PH3 in the atmosphere of Venus raises questions because its natural formation pathways are unknown after a detailed analysis of chemical and photochemical processes in the atmosphere.

Hypotheses considered include the possibility that PH3 arose through unknown photochemistry, geochemistry, or, more interestingly, through the existence of life, similar to the processes that lead to the formation of phosphine on Earth.

The researchers believe it is necessary to continue investigating other spectral features of PH3 to obtain a more comprehensive picture of the origin of this gas in the Venusian atmosphere. This discovery opens new horizons for the study of planetary atmospheres and questions about the possibility of their existence. Source