Nothing can surprise us in 2020 anymore.
Astronomers say they may have discovered life on Venus.
Using high-powered telescopes in Hawaii and Chile, scientists have spotted the chemical signature of phosphine, a noxious gas that supports life on Earth, a study published in Monday's edition of "Nature Astronomy" reveals. According to the authors, phosphine is formed as a function of animals and microbes although there's some debate over whether it's a waste product.
Regardless, its presence in Venus' clouds means there's a chance living microbes are present in the planet's atmosphere, the study concludes.
Despite the findings, even the study's authors concede the chance of life existing on Venus -- where surface temperatures reach 800 degrees -- is slim at best. "Venus is hell," says co-author David Clements. "Venus is kind of Earth's evil twin. Clearly something has gone wrong, very wrong, with Venus. It's the victim of a runaway greenhouse effect."