If we don't find life on planets like Venus, doesn't it make us that bit more special? | Charles Cockell
by Charles Cockell from Science | The Guardian on (#584MW)
The discovery of phosphine in the planet's atmosphere is part of our long search to understand our place in the universe
The recent detection of phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus, the excitement around several spacecraft currently bound for Mars and discoveries of distant rocky Earth-sized exoplanets fuel an optimism about extraterrestrial life. However, despite the promise, there are good reasons to be cautious. We should be ready to embrace the possible discovery of a lack of alien life as a scientific triumph in our understanding of our place in the universe.
Related: Scientists find gas linked to life in atmosphere of Venus
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