Parker Solar Probe sees Venusian surface through clouds
Updated
Updated · Boing Boing · May 8
Parker Solar Probe sees Venusian surface through clouds
14 articles · Updated · Boing Boing · May 8
NASA said 2022 data from its WISPR camera showed visible-light views of Venus's hot surface beneath the cloud deck.
The finding supports nightglow as a leading explanation for the long-debated ashen light seen on Venus's dark side, rather than lightning, which Japan's Akatsuki failed to detect in 16.8 hours.
Researchers say coronal mass ejections can brighten Venus's upper atmosphere at 557.7nm oxygen emission, while some historical sightings may reflect red-sensitive vision, optical illusion, or no real glow.
If solar storms make Venus glow, can we now predict when this eerie light will appear?
Has a solar probe finally solved the 400-year-old mystery of Venus's ghostly glow?
What other secrets will upcoming missions uncover beneath Venus's toxic, glowing atmosphere?