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Venus, Earth's 'Evil Twin,' Never Had Oceans, Study Finds

Dec 2, 2024, 05:02 PM

New research from Cambridge University, published in Nature Astronomy, suggests that Venus, often referred to as Earth's 'evil twin,' has never had liquid water on its surface, challenging previous theories about the planet's potential habitability. The study indicates that Venus' hydrogen levels were far too low to support the formation of oceans, making it unlikely that the planet ever hosted conditions suitable for life. Described as a 'hellish steam bath,' this finding refines the search for habitable exoplanets by emphasizing the importance of Earth-like conditions, such as the presence of liquid water, in determining a planet's potential to support life.