Volcanoes on Venus Could Rival Earth's Fury, Study Reveals

Scientists have discovered new evidence of volcanic activity on Venus, indicating that the planet could have volcanic activity comparable to Earth. Analysis of archival data from NASA’s Magellan spacecraft revealed significant deposits of volcanic material, suggesting eruptions occurred in the early 1990s. This discovery provides a deeper understanding of Venusian surface changes and aids in modeling the planet's evolution and habitability. Detailed topographical maps were created using radar technology, which revealed extensive lava flows from volcanoes such as Sif Mons and areas like Niobe Planitia. The upcoming Venus Emissivity Radio Mastrogiuseppe (VERITAS) mission, set to launch in the 2030s, aims to further investigate these findings with higher resolution methods.

According to recent findings, Venus's volcanic activity may be as intense and frequent as that on Earth. Researchers have identified new lava flows and estimated that between 1990 and 1992, these flows covered around 19 square miles, forming significant rocky deposits.

Background Information: Venus has long been a planet of interest due to its similar size and composition to Earth. However, its extreme atmospheric pressure and toxic cloud cover make surface observations challenging. The Magellan spacecraft, launched by NASA in 1989, used radar to penetrate these clouds and map Venus’s surface. Findings from the Magellan mission continue to provide invaluable data, enhancing our understanding of Venusian geology and activity. The discovery of volcanic activity further fuels interest in missions like VERITAS, which aim to unlock more secrets of our planet's enigmatic neighbor.