For the first time, scientists have found direct evidence of an active volcano on Venus, based on radar images from NASA's Magellan mission.
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Mapping Venus challenges
Magellan's survey of Venus was not an easy task. Despite the challenges, the mission still managed to map 43% of the planet, at least twice.
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Changes
Geological changes were found in a region near Venus' equator called Atla Regio, where two of the planet's largest volcanoes, Ozza Mons and Maat Mons, are situated.
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Analysis
Upon analyzing Magellan data, it was found that a volcanic vent associated with Maat Mons changed drastically between February and October 1991.
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Conclusion
Based on computer models, the researchers concluded that only a volcanic eruption could have caused the observed change in the vents.