Atmospheric analysis shows Venus never had Earth-like life, scientists say

The team of researchers studied volcanic emissions and found a ‘scarcity of water’ that reflected ‘an equally dry Venusian interior’. Photograph: Nasa/JPL-Caltech/AFP/Getty Images

With a surface hot enough to melt lead and with clouds of sulphuric acid above it, it is a planet often called Earth’s “evil twin” – similar in size, yet worlds apart.

Some scientists have long believed it was once much more hospitable, home to cooler temperatures and oceans of liquid water. But now researchers have dealt a blow to the idea that Venus ever hosted life as we know it.