NASA probes Venus' potential with revolutionary life equation
Scientists from NASA have developed a new equation that may help assess the chances of life existing on this planet. Could Venus, despite its extreme conditions, be a place where life has survived?
In the search for life beyond Earth, scientists are constantly exploring different corners of the solar system. Although Mars and ice-covered oceanic moons draw the most attention, Venus is also a subject of interest for researchers. Despite its seemingly inhospitable nature, its similarity to Earth's size and mass makes it an intriguing object of study.
What are the chances of life on Venus?
During the recent Lunar and Planetary Science Conference 2025, scientists presented the Venus Life Equation (VLE), intended to help assess the probability of life existing on this planet. Diana Gentry, director of the Aerobiology Laboratory at NASA Ames Research Center, is the lead author of this concept. The VLE, similar to the famous Drake Equation, is a tool for analyzing the potential for life, but it focuses on Venus.
This equation is based on three key parameters: Origination, Robustness, and Continuity. Each of these factors assesses different aspects that could influence the existence of life. Origination concerns the chances of life arising, Robustness assesses the potential diversity of the biosphere, and Continuity examines whether conditions conducive to life have persisted over a long period.
Could life have survived on Venus?
Venus may have once had conditions favorable to life, similar to those on Earth during the late Hadean and early Archean periods. During this time, land-water interfaces, which are crucial for life, may have existed. The authors of the study suggest that, controversially, if simple life forms once existed on Venus, they could potentially still persist today within the planet’s cloud layers.
In 2020, the discovery of phosphine in Venus's atmosphere sparked speculation about whether it could be a biosignature. At an altitude of about 30 miles, conditions are surprisingly moderate, with temperature and pressure similar to those on Earth. This makes Venus an intriguing place for further investigation.
What’s next for Venus research?
Although the VLE does not offer conclusive answers, it provides a foundation for future research and experimentation. The authors underline that, despite currently having only Earth as a confirmed example of life, our understanding of how life began and evolved here can help build frameworks to explore the unknowns and uncertainties surrounding life beyond our planet.
The Venus Life Equation is a step toward a better understanding of how life could have arisen and survived on other planets. Although many questions remain unanswered, this research may contribute to uncovering new, fascinating facts about our solar system.
