Life on the second sun

Abstract

The possibility of thermophilic life on Jupiter is considered. A speculative toruslike atmospheric biosphere is described, the environment within this 'biotorus' is discussed, and environmental niches available to thermophilic bacteria are considered. Effects of temperature on such organisms are examined along with the origins and evolutionary antecedents of thermophiles. It is concluded that the probability of life in the atmosphere of Jupiter, Saturn, or Uranus would appear to be low.