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Credit: NASA,
Magellan Project
Explanation:
Data from the
Magellan spacecraft
has shown the
Face of Venus
to contain a host of volcanic features. This image shows
an example of a fairly common type of
venusian volcanic feature.
Known as a "tick"
it represents a volcano about 20 miles wide at the
summit with ridges and valleys radiating down its sides lending it
an insect like appearance.Scientists are particularly interested in exploring the geology of Venus. Because of its similarity with the Earth in size, density, and overall location in the solar system, Venus may offer key insights into the workings of our own planet. Do the familiar processes of volcanism and plate tectonics occur on our sister planet as well as our own? The detailed radar mapping of the planet performed by the Magellan probe has gone a long way toward answering this question.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day