Scientists from Italy's National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF) have discovered compelling evidence of recent volcanic activity and lava flows on Venus, based on a study funded by the Italian Space Agency and published in Nature Astronomy.
The study analyzed radar data from NASA's Magellan mission, which orbited Venus between 1990 and 1994, and identified two vast, sinuous lava flows and a potentially active volcanic crater deformation, suggesting a more volcanically active planet than previously thought.
The discovery of these lava flows and crater deformation was described as a "wow" moment by the scientists involved, including Davide Sulcanese, Giuseppe Mitri, and Marco Mastrogiuseppe.
Venus and Earth share similarities in composition and age, but their divergent climates and geological processes have been a subject of scientific interest. Understanding Venus' volcanism can provide insights into Earth's geology and habitability.
Future missions to Venus, such as NASA's VERITAS and ESA's EnVision, aim to gather more detailed information about the planet's atmosphere and geological processes, including the challenges posed by its opaque atmosphere. These missions will provide insights into Venus's interior and volcanic activity.
The discovery of recent volcanic activity on Venus has raised the stakes for future exploration of the planet, with advanced radar technologies expected to revolutionize the understanding of its internal structure and volcanic processes.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: Forbes, New York Times, New Scientist, Gizmodo, Deccan Herald, El Tiempo, El Periodico