"Oxygen Discovery on Venus Supports Possibility of Past Habitable Conditions"

Oxygen atoms have been detected in the upper atmosphere of Venus, both on its day and night sides, without being part of larger molecules. This discovery, made using the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), reveals that oxygen is more widespread on Venus than previously observed. The presence of atomic oxygen is significant as it plays an important role in the planet's atmosphere, contributing to the dominant cooling process in the upper layers. These findings provide valuable insights for future missions to Venus and help explain the differences between Venus and Earth.