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Electrifying News from Venus
Scientists have spotted lightning on the Venus, sparking talk about the atmosphere of the planet. The European Space Agency sent a spacecraft called the Venus Express to study the planet often called the Earth's twin. It is called that because when both planets were formed 4.5 billion years ago, they were almost identical.
But things changed over the next few billion years. While the temperatures on Earth are cool enough to support life, the surface of Venus is so hot that it can melt lead. The atmosphere there is full of carbon dioxide and the clouds are made of acid. At one time, Venus had oceans, but they boiled off in the heat. Some of that water is in the air as vapor and some went into space.
Nobody thought Venus had lightning because most of its surface is covered with smog-like clouds. On Earth, when we have smog, it doesn't create lightning. Scientists were surprised when the Venus Express picked up sounds that are usually made when lighting strikes.
The European Space Agency hopes that the mission to Venus will help us understand why the two planets developed so differently. Or how, they say, sizzling, smoggy Venus evolved to become the Earth's "evil twin."
I'm Adelbert and that's what happened in Science this week!
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Illustration: European Space Agency/Medialab
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