Venusian

Scientists from the University of Cambridge looked at data from past probes to the second planet to learn about the chemical composition of the Venusian atmosphere.

Regular volcanic activity on the planet keeps the Venusian innards churning outward into the atmosphere, allowing astronomers to analyze their chemical composition for gases like carbon dioxide, carbonyl sulphide and — most importantly in terms of finding life — liquid water.

In 2020, the astronomy world was roused at the prospect of phosphine, a gas associated with anaerobic bacteria, after it was seemingly detected in the Venusian atmosphere.

"To keep the Venusian atmosphere stable, then any chemicals being removed from the atmosphere should also be getting restored to it, since the planet's interior and exterior are in constant chemical communication with one another."

The researchers, from the University of Cambridge, studied the chemical composition of the Venusian atmosphere and inferred that its interior is too dry today for there ever to have been enough water for oceans to exist at its surface.