Exciting new research suggests there could be living things in the clouds above Venus, whose orbit brings it closer to the Earth than any other planets. A study of Venus' atmosphere shows a type of gas is in its atmosphere. The gas, on the Earth, is only produced by very small creatures. If such creatures are found on Venus, it might be the first evidence of life existing somewhere else in the universe.
Scientists found the gas in thick clouds about 35 miles above Venus' equator. On the Earth, the gas is produced by special forms of life that live in airless environments such as swamps (沼泽). It can also be made in factories but neither explanation helps scientists to understand what the gas is doing on Venus.
To get to the bottom of the mystery, the scientists have now made their data public in the hope that others may be able to find a clue that they have missed. Professor Greaves explained that the gas might be produced by some non-living natural process that we haven't yet discovered, but for now, the idea of life on Venus has to be considered. She added, "In my whole career, I have been interested in the search for life elsewhere in the universe, so I'm just blown away that this is even possible. We are sincerely encouraging other people to tell us what we might have missed. This is how science works." If scientists on the Earth are unable to find an explanation, then a future mission to Venus might be needed to prove whether or not life exists there. The US space agency NASA is already planning an exploration that they would float on a balloon through the clouds of Venus, and this could be launched sometime in the 2030s.
