A little known gas in the clouds of Venus has led to speculation that life in the form of microbes could be living on Venus.
In an experiment prompted by "curiosity", scientists discovered a chemical that is usually produced by microbes.
The Royal Astronomical Society in London reports that phosphine has been discovered in the atmosphere around Venus.
Known as a "biosignature", phosphine, a colourless, flammable gas, indicates possible present or past life.
It is most commonly found in Earth emitted by microbes in oxygen depleted areas like swamps, and it could be a crucial early sign of a nearby neighbour to our planet being able to support life.
Professor Greaves, who led the study, said: "This was an experiment made out of pure curiosity, really - taking advantage of the JCMT's powerful technology.
"I thought we'd just be able to rule out extreme scenarios, like the clouds being stuffed full of organisms. When we got the first hints of phosphine in Venus' spectrum, it was a shock!"
The research team which made the discovery includes scientists from Manchester and Cardiff, alongside international colleagues.
To receive one WhatsApp message a day with Edinburgh Live's headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07899067815. Then add the number to your contacts as 'Edinburgh Live'.
More phosphine than was initially expected was detected, more than could be explained by lifeless abiotic mechanisms.
Venus has long been considered completely uninhabitable due to extreme temperatures on the planet's surface which have hit temperatures above 400C.
