New NASA equation reignites debate over life on Venus
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 quest for life beyond Earth, scientists are constantly exploring different corners of the Solar System. Although Mars and ice-covered oceanic moons attract the most attention, Venus is also of interest to researchers. Although it appears inhospitable, its similarity to Earth in terms of 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, akin to the famous Drake Equation, is a tool for analysing the potential for life, but it is focused 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 likelihood 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 favourable 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, if Venus once supported basic life forms, they could still exist today within the planet’s cloud layers.
In 2020, the discovery of phosphine in Venus's atmosphere ignited speculation about whether it could be a biosignature. At an altitude of about 48 kilometres, 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 provide definitive answers, it serves as a framework for further studies and experiments. The authors of the study highlight that although Earth remains the only confirmed example of a life-bearing planet, our understanding of how life originated and evolved here can help build frameworks to explore the unknowns and uncertainties of life beyond our planet.
The Venus Life Equation is a step towards 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.
