Venus, known for its similarity to Earth in size and mass, presents a contrasting tale when it comes to water content. This research sheds light on the role of HCO+ in the loss of hydrogen atoms from Venus’s atmosphere, contributing to the planet’s water scarcity.
Scientists have identified a new mechanism that allowed water to escape Venus at twice the rate previously estimated, potentially extending the planet’s habitable conditions in the past. This process, known as HCO+ dissociative recombination, effectively dries out the planet by converting water into carbon monoxide and hydrogen, with the latter escaping into space. The discovery suggests that Venus may have harbored oceans for longer than previously thought, providing more time for life to evolve.
