Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
Venus, Earth's enigmatic twin known for its inhospitable conditions, has once again astonished scientists. The latest revelation is the detection of oxygen in its atmosphere, a stark contrast to its primarily carbon dioxide-dominated composition
The detection of atomic oxygen on Venus was achieved through the combined efforts of NASA and the German Aerospace Center, employing the SOFIA airborne observatory. SOFIA, a modified Boeing 747SP aircraft housing an infrared telescope, played a crucial role in this groundbreaking discovery
In stark contrast to Earth, where oxygen constitutes about 21% of the atmosphere, Venus boasts a dense and noxious atmosphere primarily composed of carbon dioxide (96.5%). Nitrogen and trace gases make up the rest, with oxygen being nearly absent. This scarcity makes the detection of oxygen on Venus particularly significant
The detected oxygen on Venus is in the form of atomic oxygen, consisting of a single oxygen atom. This differs from the breathable molecular oxygen found on Earth, which comprises two oxygen atoms
The study unveiled that oxygen on Venus is produced on the sun-facing side of the planet, where solar ultraviolet radiation breaks down atmospheric carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide into oxygen atoms and other compounds. Winds then transport some of this oxygen to the Venusian night side
The oxygen concentration was found in a specific region of Venus's atmosphere, located approximately 60 miles (100 km) above its surface. The temperature of this oxygen varies significantly, ranging from about minus 184 degrees Fahrenheit (-120 degrees Celsius) on the day side to a chilling minus 256 degrees Fahrenheit (-160 degrees Celsius) on the night side
Heinz-Wilhelm Hübers, the lead author of the study and physicist at the German Aerospace Center, emphasised the stark differences between Venus and Earth, stating, "Venus is not hospitable, at least for organisms we know from Earth."
The discovery of oxygen on Venus sheds light on the planet's evolution and its unique characteristics. Scientists continue to explore the reasons behind the stark contrast between Venus and Earth
The forthcoming mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the Venus Orbiter Mission, informally referred to as Shukrayaan. This mission is intended to explore and research Venus's surface and atmosphere. This groundbreaking discovery holds significant opportunity for the Shukrayaan mission as it could potentially guide the space agency's efforts in developing specialised instruments to study oxygen on Venus, offering crucial insights for their mission before the launch in December 2024
This remarkable discovery represents a significant step forward in the exploration of Venus and the intricate study of its atmospheric composition. As scientific knowledge of Venus deepens, it paves the way for more comprehensive exploration and potential future missions to unlock the mysteries of Earth's intriguing twin