Life on Venus? It’s not crazy, says scientist

London - An eminent Russian space scientist claims to have discovered life on Venus in grainy photographs taken 30 years ago.

Professor Leonid Ksanfomaliti, of Moscow’s Space Research Institute, says the images captured by the Russian space probe Venera-13 show a giant scorpion-like insect, a moving disc and a mysterious black ribbon.

When the images are viewed in quick succession, he claims, the objects appear to move around on the planet’s surface with the “characteristics of living creatures”.

The idea of life on Venus - where temperatures are 470c and the air is filled with toxic gases - has been met with incredulity by scientists. The European Space Agency’s Venus Express probe, which has provided pictures since 2005, has spotted no life.

But Prof Ksanfomaliti, 79, said: “Yes, I am seriously talking about the possibility of life on Venus. It is not a crazy suggestion.

“It is a result of long-term research, and the time has come to make it public.” - Reuters