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Astrobiology
A Sulfur-Based Survival Strategy for Putative Phototrophic Life in the Venusian Atmosphere
To cite this article:
Dirk Schulze-Makuch, David H. Grinspoon, Ousama Abbas, Louis N. Irwin, and Mark A. Bullock. Astrobiology.
July 2004,
4(1): 11-18.
doi:10.1089/153110704773600203.
Published in Volume: 4 Issue 1: July 5, 2004
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Author information
Dirk Schulze-Makuch
Department of Geological Sciences; Program of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas
David H. GrinspoonDepartment of Space Studies, Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, Colorado
Ousama AbbasProgram of Environmental Science and Engineering
Louis N. IrwinDepartment of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas
Mark A. BullockDepartment of Space Studies, Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, Colorado
ABSTRACT
Several observations indicate that the cloud deck of the venusian atmosphere may provide a plausible refuge for microbial life. Having originated in a hot proto-ocean or been brought in by meteorites from Earth (or Mars), early life on Venus could have adapted to a dry, acidic atmospheric niche as the warming planet lost its oceans. The greatest obstacle for the survival of any organism in this niche may be high doses of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Here we make the argument that such an organism may utilize sulfur allotropes present in the venusian atmosphere, particularly S8, as a UV sunscreen, as an energy-converting pigment, or as a means for converting UV light to lower frequencies that can be used for photosynthesis. Thus, life could exist today in the clouds of Venus.
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