Chapter 1: The Discovery of Phosphine on Venus

Recent reports suggest that there may be unique gases present in the atmosphere of Venus, which could indicate the possibility of life—either currently or in the distant past.

Photo by Leonardo Yip on Unsplash

If you keep up with current events, you have likely encountered numerous articles about ambitious plans for space exploration. There’s a growing discourse surrounding potential missions to other celestial bodies, particularly the intriguing revelation of phosphine gas in Venus's atmosphere, the second planet from the sun.

However, before we rush to dispatch astronauts or cosmonauts to Venus for sample collection, we should consider the implications more carefully. There’s no need for alarm, but perhaps it’s wise to exercise caution. Venus has been orbiting the sun for millions of years, and it’s possible that life forms existed there long ago—perhaps even creatures that could have fallen victim to more aggressive organisms.

I might be overly cautious, but I believe not all life forms are inherently benevolent. Some organisms are driven by survival instincts that could pose a threat. The advancements in our space programs are commendable, and many are eager to colonize the moon, Mars, or other locations. Personally, I’m not inclined to join them.

My anxiety is genuine. I worry about the melting polar ice caps and the potential threats buried in the ice, possibly for thousands or millions of years. For instance, did you know that dinosaurs experienced cancer? They likely faced numerous challenges, and it’s unsettling to think about what might lurk beneath the ice.

What could happen if we inadvertently return home with aggressive microbes from a distant planet? I can envision various scenarios, and I already have enough concerns on my plate.

With our neighboring planets and the moon within reach, there seems to be a competition among nations to establish the first colony elsewhere. As for me, I prefer to remain on Earth and observe the developments. If you find yourself in a position to communicate with me, please do—but be wary of those lurking microbial threats that have been lying in wait for a long time.