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Spacecraft that have studied the surface of Venus. Mariner 2 – 1962 – First planetary mission Pioneer Venus – 1978 - Topography and atmospheric probes Veneras 8 – 14, 1975 – 1982 – Landers! Veneras 15 & 16, 1984 – Orbital radars
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Spacecraft that have studied the surface of Venus • Mariner 2 – 1962 – First planetary mission • Pioneer Venus – 1978 - Topography and atmospheric probes • Veneras 8 – 14, 1975 – 1982 – Landers! • Veneras 15 & 16, 1984 – Orbital radars • Magellan – 1990 – 1994 – Orbital radar images, topography and gravity data • Europe’s Venus Express, 2006
The surface of Venus, imaged by the Venera 14 Lander. Upper image: CO2 atmosphere results in reddish color. Lower image: CO2 removed. The dark rock is basalt!
Composition of the surface rocks of Venus. The rocks are basalt!
The “continents” on Venus are as big or bigger than those on Earth
Maat Mons ~8 km high Still active?
Sapas Mons ~400 km dia.
Cleopatra Caldera On Lakshmi Planum
Unusual fluid ejecta at impact craters on Venus Aurelia crater 32 km diameter Stuart Crater 67 km diameter