Our experts examine the hottest new research CUTTING EDGE
Scientists have long speculated about whether Venus could harbour life. Its thick, carbon dioxide atmosphere creates a powerful greenhouse effect and the surface is searingly hot (over 450°C). Indeed, the planet is often described as ‘Earth's evil twin’. So while the surface clearly doesn't offer any chance of liquid wateratmosphere could offer a habitable environment. Venus is shrouded in thick cloud layers; between altitudes of 48km and 60km the atmospheric pressure and temperature are similar to those on Earth's surface. There's plenty of sunlight to serve as a power source for life too.
