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Free keywords:
OPEN ACCESS. Venus, Extreme environments, Extremophiles, Life
in extreme environments, Search for life (biosignatures)
Abstract:
We present a case for the exploration of Venus as an astrobiology target—(1) investigations focused on the
likelihood that liquid water existed on the surface in the past, leading to the potential for the origin and
evolution of life, (2) investigations into the potential for habitable zones within Venus’ present-day clouds and
Venus-like exo atmospheres, (3) theoretical investigations into how active aerobiology may impact the radiative
energy balance of Venus’ clouds and Venus-like atmospheres, and (4) application of these investigative approaches
toward better understanding the atmospheric dynamics and habitability of exoplanets. The proximity
of Venus to Earth, guidance for exoplanet habitability investigations, and access to the potential cloud habitable
layer and surface for prolonged in situ extended measurements together make the planet a very attractive target
for near term astrobiological exploration.
