ARCturus

In the ancient times our neighbouring planet Venus was similar to the Earth. In some phase, however, the paths of the planets were parted. In the magazine Tähdet ja avaruus, issue 5/2011, Anne Liljeström illustrates the phases of the formation of the Venus.

 

The high temperature on the surface of Venus is the result of many things. Due to the fact that UV rays emitted by the Sun has broken the water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, there is no water on the planet. The lack of the magnetic field enables the solar wind to blow the molecules and atoms away from the gas field. The carbon dioxide, released from the volcanoes, creates a very strong greenhouse effect. In addition to that, sulphur dioxide from the volcanoes is gathered in clouds, the fact that leads to a rise in temperature on the surface of Venus.

Source: Tähdet ja Avaruus, Ursa Astronomical Association, Helsinki

Photo: Särkänniemi/Planeetat www.sarkanniemi.fi

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