1. The Clouds of Venus
Venus may seem like an unlikely candidate for life, with its scorching surface and crushing pressure. Yet, recent discoveries have turned attention to its upper atmosphere, where conditions are far more temperate. The detection of phosphine—a potential biosignature gas—has sparked intrigue among scientists, as this compound is typically associated with biological processes on Earth. Researchers now speculate that microbial life could survive in the planet’s thick, acidic clouds, challenging our assumptions about where life can exist. Learn more from NASA.