Science
The detection of phosphine in Venus’ clouds is a big deal – here’s how we can find out if it’s a sign of life – The Conversation US
News that Venus may harbor life has swept the globe. So how do we find out for sure? A planetary scientist explains what’s next.

On Sept. 14, 2020, a new planet was added to the list of potentially habitable worlds in the Solar System: Venus.
Phosphine, a toxic gas made up of one phosphorus and three hydrogen atoms (PH), commonly produced by organic life forms but otherwise difficult to make on rocky planets, was discovered in the middle layer of the Venus atmosphere. This raises the tantalizing possibility that something is alive on our planetary neighbor. With this discovery, Venus joins the exalted ranks of Mars and …
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