NASA unveils potential geological activity beneath Venus
NASA has observed new signs of life on Venus, hinting at activity beneath the planet's surface. Although the research utilizes data from the Magellan mission conducted 30 years ago, the latest analyses, employing modern models, have enabled scientists to uncover more details.
Recent studies suggest Venus might still be geologically active. This conclusion is drawn from the latest analyses by scientists who scrutinized the large and circular structures on Venus's surface. Although these findings are based on data collected by NASA's Magellan probe over three decades ago, they provide valuable insights. Unlike Earth, Venus lacks moving tectonic plates, yet its surface is still influenced by hot rock masses rising from its interior.
What are the new signs of geological activity on Venus?
Scientists concentrated on mysterious structures resembling surface craters, known as coronas. "Currently, coronas do not occur on Earth, though they might have existed when our planet was young and before plate tectonics formed," said Gael Cascioli, the lead author of the study from the University of Maryland and NASA, as quoted by NASA JPL. Coronas are large, oval formations that can extend hundreds of kilometres. They form when hot material from within Venus rises, deforming the planet's surface.
What did the Magellan mission discover on Venus?
The Magellan mission, managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, provided more detailed maps of Venus's surface and gravitational field. A new study published in the journal "Science Advances" reveals new evidence that many of these coronas are still influenced by underground forces. The research team developed advanced geodynamic models showcasing various scenarios of corona formation influenced by hot plumes.
The study results indicate that out of the 75 coronas studied, 52 have less dense, hot mantle material beneath them, potentially driving tectonic processes. NASA plans to revisit Venus, deploying the VERITAS probe. Using a radio-tracking system, the probe will measure the planet's gravitational field to decipher Venus's interior structure.
A 3D map of Venus will be created
All these instruments will help identify active areas on the surface. However, there will be a wait for results—the mission is not scheduled to launch before 2031. "The gravitational maps of Venus made by VERITAS will increase the resolution by a factor of at least two to four, depending on the location—providing a level of detail capable of revolutionizing our understanding of Venus's geology and its impact on Earth's early history," said Suzanne Smrekar, co-author of the study.
The VERITAS mission aims to deliver even more detailed data on Venus. The plan includes using synthetic aperture radar to create high-resolution 3D maps, aiding scientists in understanding the planet's tectonic and volcanic activity.
