Erupting volcanoes on Venus today? Scientists think so. (Photo : ESA - AOES Medialab)
The planet Venus is known to be covered in volcanoes however it is still unknown of there are still any active volcanoes on the surface. Now, a new study reveals that there might be ongoing volcanic activity on the hot planet.
Using data from the European Space Agency's Venus Express probe that already completed its eight year mission of the planet last year, the probe is hinting at new evidence of recent volcanic activity.
Five years ago, scientists discovered that there are three volcanic regions on the planet that consist of vastly different compositions in the surrounding areas that provide clues that the lava flow occurred during different timelines. However, scientists can only measure the timeline to about 2.5 million years as the latest eruption which means there is no data about any recent eruptions.
In another study conducted in 2012, data from the probe revealed a sulfur dioxide spike that was detected in Venus' smoldering upper atmosphere which can be an indication or evidence of a major eruption.
Scientists now reveal evidence of volcanic "hotspots" on the surface with this new research. According to lead author of the study Eugene Shalygin of the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, there are apparently several events observed on the planet that a spot on the surface rises in temperature, transforming into a hotspot where it then cools down again.
One of the hotspots called Object A is measured to be half a mile where readings show that this area can reach a temperature of 1526 degrees Fahrenheit and an average of 896 degrees Fahrenheit.
Shalygin adds that these four "hotspots" are also located in tectonic rift zones that has been detected by radar images where this marks the first time that hotspots are seen with different temperature ranges that varies from day to day. This is also one of the most remarkable evidence for active volcanism on Venus.
Researchers note that due to the thick atmosphere that has been enshrouding the planet, infrared observations are very much limited when it comes to Venus Express' capabilities.
According to ESA's Venus Express mission scientist Håkan Svedhem, Venus is slowly revealing that it is apparently still active and ever changing today where this can be a pivotal step in understanding the evolutionary histories of our nearest neighbor and Earth's as well.
This study is published in the journal, Geophysical Research Letters.
