Recent mapping reveals a surprising amount of volcanoes in Venus: over 85,000 have been identified!
Contradicting previous research, which underestimated the number of volcanoes on the planet, this new discovery reveals a large-scale volcanic scenario. The map was created by NASA based on radar images collected during the Magellan mission in the 1990s.
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During the mission of the Magellan spacecraft in the 1990s, it was possible to create the first global map of the surface of Venus, including maps of the planet's gravitational field. These data were essential to confirm the presence of active volcanoes on its surface.
The recent discovery of more than 85,000 volcanoes on Venus is a result of this mapping and greatly exceeds previous estimates.
The discovery revealed that approximately 99% of mapped volcanoes on the planet have a width of less than 3.1 miles, which is considered quite small. This explains why many of them were not identified in other analyses.
In addition, the availability of new software allowed the scientific team to carry out a more precise analysis, facilitating the detection of smaller volcanoes that previously went unnoticed.
With this improved tool, it was possible to broaden our understanding of volcanic activity on the planet Venus.
The Discovery of 85,000 Volcanoes on Venus
Experts speculate that the surface of Venus may be home to an even greater number of volcanoes, possibly of smaller size, which can be revealed using more advanced imaging technologies. advanced.
Although approximately 1,500 terrestrial volcanoes have been identified, it is important to note that many of them remain invisible to our eyes, hidden under the depths of the oceans.
Unlike Earth, where many volcanoes are hidden under the oceans, on Venus, all volcanoes are located on the surface, making them more accessible and easier to discover and studied.
Aware of this unique opportunity, NASA and the European Space Agency are preparing to launch missions dedicated to the planet with the aim of deepening our understanding of the planet and its volcanoes.
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