Britannica
Sources used in this answer
What evidence suggests that lightning may occur in Venus’s clouds?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
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 primary evidence suggesting that lightning occurs within the clouds of Venus is the detection of radio waves that are characteristic of lightning discharges.12
These observations, which have been recorded by spacecraft such as the Venus Express, support the conclusion that the Venusian atmosphere experiences significant meteorological activity. This is further corroborated by the rapid variations in the opacity of the planet's thick cloud decks over time and space.12