Active Volcano on Venus Detected By Astronomers
Astronomers have made an exciting discovery about Venus. They have discovered an active volcano on the planet’s surface, which could prove that the planet is not entirely dead.
During the early 1990s, data obtained by NASA’s Magellan spacecraft revealed the existence of volcanoes on the surface of Venus.
Venus is often called Earth’s “sister planet” due to its similar size, composition, and proximity to the sun.
However, while Earth is well-known for its dynamic tectonic activity and various geological features, Venus has long been a relatively stagnant and unchanging planet.
Not dead yet: Active volcano spotted on Venus https://t.co/PU5WTIHGUW pic.twitter.com/MhixXQ0khl
— SPACE.com (@SPACEdotcom) March 16, 2023
However, a recent analysis of this data indicates that at least one volcano on the planet is currently active.
The data suggest that future missions may offer more evidence that Venus is still geologically active.
How the Researchers Executed the Study
According to a publication in the journal; Science, researchers have reported that the planet’s surface is still changing due to an active volcano emitting lava through several vents in its vicinity.
The researchers were careful while working with the data, as it was 30 years old. They aimed to ensure that the spacecraft did not cause any discrepancies in the data.
For this, they selected a specific site present in various data sets and adjusted them to observe the active volcano on Venus from a top-down perspective.
As a result of this approach, the researchers found that a vent close to Maat Mons seemed circular in one image.
Whereas in another print derived from Magellan’s data, it appeared more like a kidney shape.
NASA sees active Venus volcano for first time ever https://t.co/5TYzxP2Y2M
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 16, 2023
Moreover, the data analysis revealed a luminous area. It is inferred to be a fresh lava flow produced by the active volcano and extending over Venus’s surface.
The volcano, named Idunn Mons, is located in the planet’s southern hemisphere and rises to over 2 miles (3.5 kilometers).
Its distinctive shape and the presence of sulfur dioxide in its plume suggest it is actively erupting. Thus, making it the first active volcano ever observed on Venus.
The Importance of the Study
This discovery is particularly significant because it challenges our previous assumptions about Venus’ geology.
While it has long been known that the planet has a thick, opaque atmosphere that makes it difficult to study its surface.
The prevailing view has been that Venus’s geology has been mostly dormant for millions of years.
One possibility for this discovery is that internal processes drive Venus’s volcanic activity, similar to Earth’s tectonic activity.
Alternatively, it could be that the planet’s thick atmosphere, which traps heat and prevents it from escaping into space, creates a “greenhouse effect” that leads to intense volcanic activity.
Photo credit: NASA | JPL
The Impact of the Study
Regardless of the underlying cause, discovering an active volcano on Venus is a breakthrough in understanding the planet’s geology. The discovery could have significant implications for future studies.
It is fascinating and offers scientists a wealth of new data, particularly as they plan upcoming missions to Venus to study the planet in greater depth.
For some time now, scientists have been eager to learn more about this planet called Earth’s Twin. Especially given that the most recent images of Venus date back to the 1980s.
With NASA’s continued efforts to explore our solar system more comprehensively, including the successful Artemis mission, we hope to better understand the active volcanoes on Venus and their role in shaping the planet.
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