Atomic oxygen found sandwiched between layers of sulphurous clouds On Venus

When it comes to looking for signs of life and dreaming of building an extraterrestrial human base, Venus has often played second fiddle to Mars. And our neighbour Venus, with its notorious 96.5% carbon dioxide-dominated atmosphere, has been largely dismissed in this regard. But a recent discovery has turned the tables, revealing the presence of atomic oxygen on both Venus's day and night sides for the first time, adding a breath of intrigue to the overlooked planet.

Unlike the familiar oxygen molecules we breathe on Earth, the oxygen on Venus consists of single oxygen atoms. Detecting this elusive element has proven challenging due to its reactivity and swift bonding with other elements. Enter the SOFIA airborne observatory, a Boeing 747SP aircraft equipped with an infrared telescope, which played a crucial role in this groundbreaking discovery.

Researchers found that the temperature of atomic oxygen on Venus ranged from –120°C on the day side to –160°C on the night side, allowing them to estimate that gas hovered at an altitude of about 100 kilometres. Further, this oxygen was nestled between layers of sulfuric acid-containing clouds, forming a sandwich in the planet's tumultuous atmosphere.

The secret behind this atomic oxygen was the Sun, playing the role of a celestial chef on Venus's day side. Ultraviolet radiation from the Sun broke down atmospheric carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, birthing oxygen atoms and other chemicals in a celestial kitchen of photochemistry.

"This detection of atomic oxygen on Venus is direct proof for the action of photochemistry — triggered by solar UV radiation — and for the transport of its products by the winds of Venus' atmosphere," explained Helmut Wiesemeyer of the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Germany.

But the story doesn't end there. Venusian winds, strong and relentless, carried some of this oxygen to the night side. Here, the oxygen potentially combined with molecular oxygen and other elements.

The collision of single oxygen atoms with molecules like carbon dioxide resulted in an energy transfer, radiating away heat and producing a cooling effect on Venus — a surprising twist in the tale of a planet known for its blistering temperatures.

This detection of oxygen in Venus's atmosphere isn't just a scientific curiosity; it's a key that could unlock secrets about Venus's past and its potential for life. The journey doesn't stop here; further research is essential to unravel the origin, distribution, and implications of this newfound atomic oxygen, providing us with a deeper understanding of our enigmatic planetary neighbour. So, as we continue to explore the cosmos, let's not forget to look closer to home — Venus might just have more surprises up its sulphurous sleeve.