In a new study, Cornell University researchers proposed a model of abiogenic origin.
Phosphine gas (hydrogen phosphide, PH3) is considered one of the possible signs of life, as it can be released by anaerobic organisms.
During the work, the authors analyzed in detailObservations of the ground-based submillimeter telescope of James Clerk and came to the conclusion that the cause of the penetration of phosphine into the upper atmosphere of Venus is volcanism.
The existence of active volcanism on Venus in the recent geological past is confirmed by some geological features present in radar images.
The gas content in the planet's atmosphere is estimated atrange from 1 to 4 ppb, with localized peaks from 5 to 10 ppb. The mantle of Venus contains a substance phosphide, which, as a result of volcanic activity, could release the atmosphere, where, as a result of reaction with sulfuric acid, it was converted into phosphine.
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