And one thing that makes Earth a good place for life is the existence of similar lively chemical cycles. Vertically exaggerated 3D image of area of the volcano Alpha Regio With a temperature of 900 degrees Fahrenheit, the surface of Venus has long been dismissed as home for any carbon-based life. But the cooler, wet clouds above could be a different matter. It's a long shot, but maybe some life form has figured out how to use the intense energy of ultraviolet radiation and is doing photosynthesis in the cloud of Venus. Non-carbon based life on the planet is another possibility, says Grinspoon.
Earthlings are too quick to look at the universe through carbon tinted glasses.
If another kind of biochemistry is on Venus, then all bets are off on where life might be. We are an inquisitive, exploring species, and eventually we will go there. He foresees human occupied cities, suspended in Venusian clouds. All we'll need is a suit to fend off acid clouds, oxygen tanks, and something cold to drink.