We present a case for the exploration of Venus as an astrobiology target—(1) investigations focused on the likelihood that liquid water existed on the surface in the past, leading to the potential for the origin and evolution of life, (2) investigations into the potential for habitable zones within Venus' present-day clouds and Venus-like exo atmospheres, (3) theoretical investigations into how active aerobiology may impact the radiative energy balance of Venus' clouds and Venus-like atmospheres, and (4) application of these investigative approaches toward better understanding the atmospheric dynamics and habitability of exoplanets. The proximity of Venus to Earth, guidance for exoplanet habitability investigations, and access to the potential cloud habitable layer and surface for prolonged in situ extended measurements together make the planet a very attractive target for near term astrobiological exploration.

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金星，天体生物学目标

我们提出了一个探索金星作为天体生物学目标的案例——（1）研究侧重于过去液态水存在于地表的可能性，从而导致生命起源和进化的可能性，（2）研究金星现今云层和类金星外大气层中可居住区的潜力，（3）关于活跃的空气生物学如何影响金星云和类金星大气的辐射能量平衡的理论研究，以及（4）应用这些调查方法旨在更好地了解系外行星的大气动力学和可居住性。金星与地球的接近程度，系外行星宜居性调查的指导，以及长时间就地进入潜在的云宜居层和表面扩展测量一起使地球成为近期天体生物学探索的非常有吸引力的目标。