NASA unveils possible life activity insights on Venus
NASA has discovered new signs of life on Venus, indicating activity beneath the planet's surface. Although the research is based on data from the Magellan mission 30 years ago, the latest analyses using new models have allowed scientists to learn more.
The latest studies suggest that Venus may still be geologically active. This conclusion is supported by recent analyses of the large circular structures on Venus's surface. These findings are based on data collected by NASA's Magellan probe over three decades ago. Unlike Earth, Venus doesn't have moving tectonic plates, but its surface is still shaped by hot rock masses rising from its interior.
What are the new signs of geological activity on Venus?
Scientists focused on mysterious structures resembling surface craters, called coronas. "Coronae are not found on Earth today; however, they may have existed when our planet was young and before plate tectonics," 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 for hundreds of miles. They are created when hot material from inside Venus pushes upward, deforming the planet's surface.
What did the Magellan mission discover on Venus?
The Magellan mission, managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, provided detailed maps of Venus's surface and gravitational field. A new study published in the journal Science Advances presents evidence that many of these coronas are still shaped by underground forces. The research showed that numerous coronas continue to form due to subterranean activity. The research team developed advanced geodynamic models demonstrating 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, likely driving tectonic processes. NASA plans to re-examine Venus by sending the VERITAS probe. Using a radio-tracking system, the probe will measure the planet's gravitational field to determine 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, as the mission will not start 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—the level of detail that can revolutionize our understanding of the geology of Venus and its impact on Earth's early history," said Suzanne Smrekar, co-author of the study.
The VERITAS mission aims to provide even more detailed data on Venus. The use of synthetic aperture radar is planned to create high-resolution 3D maps, which will help scientists understand the planet's tectonic and volcanic activity.
