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What evidence indicates that volcanoes on Venus have erupted recently?
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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.
Evidence for recent volcanic activity on Venus has been gathered through both atmospheric observations and direct surface imaging:
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Atmospheric Data: In 2006, the Venus Express spacecraft detected a sharp increase in sulfur dioxide levels in the atmosphere, which may have resulted from volcanic eruptions. Additionally, in 2008, a hot spot was observed appearing and subsequently cooling in the Ganiki Chasma rift zone.1
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Surface Imaging: The first direct evidence of active volcanism was identified in 2023 through an analysis of images captured by the Magellan spacecraft. By comparing radar images of a volcanic vent taken eight months apart in 1991, scientists observed physical changes that were most likely caused by an eruption.12