Description
To follow up on the detection of PH₃ in Venus’ clouds (Greaves et al., 2021), we conducted the JCMT-Venus Project, consisting of three multi-week, disc-integrated observing campaigns carried out in February 2022, July 2023, and September 2023. These campaigns aimed not only to reconfirm the presence of PH₃ but also to investigate the broader chemical environment within and above Venus’ clouds. Utilising a ~2 GHz-wide bandwidth, we successfully observed several key species central to Venusian atmospheric chemistry, notably H₂O (via HDO) and SO₂. Our continuous monitoring over multiple weeks enabled an unprecedented analysis of both short-term (day-to-day) and longer-term variations in these key molecules.
Here, we present initial results on the variability of H₂O and SO₂ abundances and establish upper limits for additional candidate gases, such as H₂SO₄ and HCO⁺. These results provide essential context for upcoming missions such as DAVINCI, EnVision, and the MIT-led Morning Star Missions, which will explore the potential habitability of Venus’ clouds.
