Newly processed images of Venus’ surface were recently captured from different orbits by NASA’s Magellan spacecraft. A handful of locations, including those suspected to be volcanically active, were being observed multiple times over a two-year span.
Evidence of Active Volcanoes on Venus
A study analyzing radar images dating back decades has provided fresh evidence pointing to the existence of active volcanoes on Venus. Radar images indicated that a 2.2 square kilometer volcanic vent on Venus had noticeable changes in shape within an eight month period. This morphing supports the hypothesis of ongoing volcanic activity.
Notably, the radar imaging showed drained lava signs, and alarmingly, the vent appeared to have doubled in size with signs that a lava lake could have reached the rim. This vent is notably linked to Maat Mons, Venus’ second-highest volcano, located in Atla Regio, a vast highland region near the planet’s equator. These changes are most likely caused by escaping lava flows, further hinting at potential volcanic activities.
The Magellan Mission to Venus
NASA’s Magellan mission to Venus was one of the agency’s most successful deep space missions. Launched on May 4th, 1989, it holds the honor of becoming the first spacecraft to image the entire surface of Venus. The mission lost communication on October 13, 1994, when instructions were issued for the spacecraft to descend into Venus’ atmosphere.
Future Expeditions to Venus
Several organizations are planning expeditions to Venus, including the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which is currently working on Shukrayaan-1 to study Venus. This orbiter will likely observe various planetary characteristics such as geological and volcanic activity, ground emissions, wind speed, and cloud cover from an elliptical orbit.
The findings from this new study will aid in identifying areas for future missions, like Europe’s ‘Envision’ that is projected to launch in 2032. Additionally, NASA’s VERITAS and DAVINCI missions are being planned to observe Venus in the 2030s.
About Venus
This Earth’s sibling is the second closest planet to the sun, and the sixth-largest planet in our solar system. Venus is infamous for its extreme temperatures (450o C) and acidic clouds, making it highly unlikely to host life. It is also notable for spinning backward relative to other planets and for having no moons or rings.
Historic Missions to Venus
A number of missions have been carried out on Venus by countries like the US, Russia, Japan, and Europe. The US launched the Mariner series between 1962-1974, along with Pioneer Venus 1 and 2 in 1978, and Magellan in 1989. Similarly, Russia initiated the Venera series of spacecraft between 1967-1983, and Vegas 1 and 2 in 1985. Japan launched Akatsuki in 2015, and Europe sent the Venus Express in 2005.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
The question seeks to test the knowledge on various spacecraft and their designated roles. The correct answer was option (b), as Cassini-Huygens was sent to Saturn and not Venus, contradicting pair 1. Messenger correctly corresponds with pair 2, as it was sent by NASA to investigate Mercury. Furthermore, Voyager 1 and 2 were correctly matched in pair 3, having been launched to explore the outer solar system.