Phosphine detected in Venus's atmosphere (IMAGE) ESO Caption This artistic impression depicts our Solar System neighbour Venus, where scientists have confirmed the detection of phosphine molecules, a representation of which is shown in the inset. The molecules were detected in the Venusian high clouds in data from the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, in which ESO is a partner. Astronomers have speculated for decades that life could exist in Venus's high clouds. The detection of phosphine could point to such extra-terrestrial "aerial" life. Credit ESO/M. Kornmesser/L. Calçada & NASA/JPL/Caltech Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.