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How did Magellan images provide evidence of active volcanism on Venus?
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Venus
Venus photographed in ultraviolet light by the Pioneer Venus Orbiter (Pioneer 12) spacecraft, February 26, 1979. Although Venus's cloud cover is nearly featureless in visible light, ultraviolet imaging reveals distinctive structure and pattern, including global-scale V-shaped bands that open toward the west (left). Added color in the image emulates Venus's yellow-white appearance to the eye.
The Magellan spacecraft provided the first direct evidence of active volcanism on Venus through a retrospective analysis of radar imagery completed in 2023.12
By comparing images of a specific volcanic vent taken eight months apart in 1991, researchers identified distinct surface changes. These alterations in the vent's appearance were determined to be most likely caused by a volcanic eruption occurring during that interval. While earlier missions, such as Venus Express, had previously suggested volcanic activity through atmospheric data and thermal observations, the Magellan findings represent the first direct visual confirmation of such events on the planet's surface.12