Clouds of uncertainty: Scientists claim to have spotted signs of life on Venus but sceptics prevail Venus' surface is a hellish place with temperatures well over 800 degrees Fahrenheit but it could've been much more like Earth today, with oceans and a moderate climate Feb 10, 2021 10:12:38 IST A team of astronomers made a blockbuster claim in the fall. They said they had discovered compelling evidence pointing to life floating in the clouds of Venus. If true, that would be stunning. People have long gazed into the cosmos and wondered whether something is alive out there. For an affirmative answer to pop up on the planet in the orbit next to Earth’s would suggest that life is not rare in the universe, but commonplace.