Volcanoes on Venus | 07 Aug 2020

Why in News

According to a recent study, published in Nature Geoscience, Venus is still geologically active.

Key Points

  • The study identified 37 active volcanoes, in the form of ring-like structures known as coronae, on the surface of Venus.
    • The coronae form when plumes of hot material deep inside the planet rise through the mantle layer and crust.
  • Earlier, it was believed that the surface of Venus had no geological activity. However, scientists have known for some time that Venus has a younger surface than planets like Mars and Mercury, which have cold interiors.
  • The new study will help to identify target areas for future missions such as Europe's EnVision that is scheduled to launch in 2032.
    • EnVision aims at determining the level and nature of the geological activity and the sequence of events that generated the surface features of Venus.

Venus

  • It is the second closest planet to the sun and the sixth-largest planet in the solar system. It is also known as earth's twin.
  • It is the hottest planet in the solar system and its extreme temperatures (450o C) and acidic clouds make it an unlikely place for life.
  • Along with Uranus it spins backwards with respect to other planets i.e. Its sun rises in the west and sets in the east.
  • Along with Mercury it has no moons and no rings.