Venus – Page 2 – NeRDs Moonbase

Crescent Moon Over NASA’s Kennedy Space Center

January 2, 2024 NeRD

NASA / Joel Kowsky The crescent moon, along with Jupiter (top right of Moon) and Venus (below Moon) appeared over the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida Feb. 22, 2023, as preparations continued for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 mission. NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Warren “Woody” Hoburg, UAE (United Arab Emirates) astronaut Sultan Alneyadi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev launched to the International Space Station March 2, 2023. The NASA Headquarters photographers chose this photo as one of the best images from 2023. See the rest on Flickr. Image…

If Venus had Earth-like plate tectonics in its distant past, did it have life too?

October 27, 2023 NeRD

New research has revealed Venus may have had Earth-like plate tectonics billions of years ago. The finding opens up the possibility that the second planet from the sun, aka a scorching world, also once harbored life. With temperatures reaching levels high enough to melt lead, the hottest planet in our solar system seems an unlikely host for life as we know it — even the simplest kind. But, according to this new research, Venus was very different in its deep past. The goal of this work, according to the researchers,…

The History of Venus in Air, Rock, and Water

March 22, 2022 NeRD

Forty years ago, NASA’s Magellan mission “closed the book” on Venus. Now, a new generation of astronomers think the planet next door deserves a second chance. The post The History of Venus in Air, Rock, and Water appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

The Parker Solar Probe Captures Surprising Images of Venus Nightside

February 22, 2022 NeRD

A visible glow from our sister planet’s nightside sheds new light on a 300-year-old observing enigma dubbed the “ashen light.” The post The Parker Solar Probe Captures Surprising Images of Venus Nightside appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

Venus Farewell, Moonless Skies for the Quadrantids

December 22, 2021 NeRD

Venus presents a stunning crescent at dusk before switching over to the morning sky early next month. After dodging the Moon for the Geminids, it’s dark skies all around for the Quadrantid meteor shower. The post Venus Farewell, Moonless Skies for the Quadrantids appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

The Case for an Active Volcano on Venus

November 2, 2021 NeRD

After decades of studying Venus, many questions remain about our planetary next-door neighbor. One question has particularly intrigued astronomers: which, if any, of Venus’s 1,600 volcanoes are still active? The post The Case for an Active Volcano on Venus appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

Two Space Probes to Pass by Venus Next Week

August 2, 2021 NeRD

Two spacecraft are heading for a close Venus encounter: Solar Orbiter passes by on August 9th and BepiColombo on August 10th. The post Two Space Probes to Pass by Venus Next Week appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

What Will ESA’s EnVision Learn at Venus?

July 9, 2021 NeRD

ESA’s EnVision mission to Venus adds to the growing number of spacecraft investigating our sister planet. How will they work together to understand our sister planet’? The post What Will ESA's EnVision Learn at Venus? appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

Venus Surface Is Fragmented Like “Pack Ice”

June 28, 2021 NeRD

A new analysis of old data suggests that some of our sister planet’s unique surface formations are due to a “squishy” crust and an active interior. The post Venus Surface Is Fragmented Like “Pack Ice” appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

We’re Heading to Venus! NASA Selects Discovery-class Missions

June 4, 2021 NeRD

After a hiatus of several decades, NASA is about to return to Venus in a big way. The post We're Heading to Venus! NASA Selects Discovery-class Missions appeared first on Sky & Telescope.