Dry volcanic activity rules out 'Earth-like life' on Venus, say scientists

With a surface hot enough to melt lead and clouds of sulphuric acid in its atmosphere, Venus has been described as "Earth's evil twin" - similar in size, yet worlds apart.

- Nicola Davis

Some astronomers believe the planet was once much more hospitable, but research has now dealt a blow to the idea that it ever hosted life as we know it.

Analysis of its atmosphere has revealed that the interior of Venus is dry, suggesting it never had the oceans of liquid water traditionally thought necessary for life to begin.

"This doesn't completely rule out any life. It rules out Earth-like life," said Tereza Constantinou, a PhD student from the University of Cambridge.