Chapter 1: Introduction to Venusian Phosphine

Could volcanic activity on Venus lead to the presence of phosphine in its atmosphere? Let’s delve into this intriguing question.

A computer-generated depiction of Sapas Mons, a nearly 1-mile-high volcano on Venus. Image credit: NASA/JPL

Venus is characterized by extreme conditions — intense atmospheric pressure and scorching temperatures capable of melting lead, all enveloped in a suffocating atmosphere rich in carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid rain. In late 2020, scientists revealed the discovery of phosphine in Venus's upper atmosphere. While this chemical can be produced through various chemical reactions on Earth, it is primarily associated with biological processes. This sparked speculation about the potential existence of extraterrestrial life in the more temperate layers of Venus's atmosphere.

However, a recent study proposes a different explanation — the presence of phosphine might indicate active volcanic activity on the surface of this planet. “The phosphine doesn’t indicate the biological aspects of Venus. Instead, it reflects its geological features. Scientific evidence points to a planet with ongoing explosive volcanism either presently or in the very recent past,” stated Dr. Jonathan Lunine, chair of the Department of Astronomy at Cornell University.

Join us on Astronomy News with The Cosmic Companion on August 10, where we will discuss this study with Dr. Lunine.

Section 1.1: The Role of Volcanism

Researchers analyzed the atmosphere of Venus using data collected in the submillimeter region of the electromagnetic spectrum from the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope in Hawaii and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile.

“Volcanic activity could release sufficient phosphide to generate phosphine. The chemistry suggests that phosphine originates from explosive volcanic eruptions on Venus rather than biological processes,” explained Ngoc Truong, a doctoral candidate in geology at Cornell.

Coronae on the surface of Venus show signs of volcanic activity. Image credit: JAXA/ISAS/DARTS/Damia Bouic.

Interestingly, the harsh atmospheric conditions of Venus may facilitate the formation of phosphine. Researchers propose that phosphine gas could result from phosphide originating deep within Venus's mantle, which is then expelled into the atmosphere through volcanic eruptions. Once in the atmosphere, phosphide would react with sulfuric acid, yielding phosphine.

The study posits that a mantle similar to Earth's, with magma originating from deep within, is likely responsible for plume volcanism on Venus. Given the absence of plate tectonics on Venus, this episodic but plausible volcanism could provide enough phosphide to generate phosphine.

In 1978, the Pioneer mission discovered sulfur dioxide in Venus's upper atmosphere, a gas that, on Earth, is released in large quantities by volcanoes, significantly affecting our planet's climate.

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Video Description: Major Updates About Phosphine Discovery on Venus - This video discusses recent findings related to phosphine in Venus's atmosphere and its implications for volcanic activity.

Chapter 2: Implications of Volcanic Activity

As researchers continue to analyze the geological activity on Venus, they are increasingly convinced of the presence of active volcanism. However, the challenge remains in understanding how this geology can account for the phosphine detected in previous studies.

Identifying unusual chemical signatures on other celestial bodies often leads to debates about whether these markers are a product of biological life or purely geological processes. A similar dilemma arises with Enceladus, one of Saturn's moons, where geysers of chemically rich water erupt from its surface.

Detecting chemical indicators of life on other planets is a key avenue for uncovering evidence of extraterrestrial life. Yet, extraordinary claims necessitate extraordinary proof, and even if geological processes are responsible for these findings, the implications would still be groundbreaking.

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Video Description: Life on Venus? A Key Biosignature Called Phosphine has been Discovered in Venus' Atmosphere - This video explores the implications of phosphine detection for the search for life on Venus.

James Maynard, the founder and publisher of The Cosmic Companion, resides in Tucson with his wife, Nicole, and their cat, Max.

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