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Gibbous Venus from Akatsuki

Solar System

Atomic Oxygen Detected on Venus

New data provide direct evidence for the existence of atomic oxygen in Venus's upper atmosphere, enabling new science on our sister planet.

Venus July 24, 2023

Explore the Night with Bob King

View the Thin Crescent of Venus

With Venus approaching inferior conjunction in August here's a foolproof way to follow its thinning crescent as the planet transitions from Evening Star to Morning Star.

a light grey circle with tentrils coming off it against a dark grey background

Solar System

85,000 Volcanoes Mapped on Venus

A new catalog pinpoints volcanic cones in the best available surface images of Venus – those gathered 30 years ago by NASA’s Magellan spacecraft.

Sulphur-tinged volcano rises above surface on Venus

Solar System

Finally! Scientists Find Active Volcano on Venus

After decades of searching, scientists have finally found a clear sign of active volcanism on Venus.

Solar System

Amateur Astronomers Help Provide Uninterrupted View of Venus’s Clouds

The newest observations will help astronomers understand a planetary-scale wave in the atmosphere of our sister planet.

Venus (radar image vs artist's concept of oceans)

Solar System

The History of Venus in Air, Rock, and Water

Forty years ago, NASA's Magellan mission “closed the book” on Venus. Now, a new generation of astronomers think the planet next door deserves a second chance.

WISPR view vs. Magellan radar

Solar System

The Parker Solar Probe Captures Surprising Images of Venus Nightside

A visible glow from our sister planet’s nightside sheds new light on a 300-year-old observing enigma dubbed the “ashen light.”

Venus full circle

Astronomy & Observing News

Venus Farewell, Moonless Skies for the Quadrantids

Venus presents a stunning crescent at dusk before switching over to the morning sky early next month. After dodging the Moon for the Geminids, it's dark skies all around for the Quadrantid meteor shower.

Venusian volcano Idunn Mons in radar data

Solar System

The Case for an Active Volcano on Venus

After decades of studying Venus, many questions remain about our planetary next-door neighbor. One question has particularly intrigued astronomers: which, if any, of Venus’s 1,600 volcanoes are still active?

Venus flybys

Space Missions

Two Space Probes to Pass by Venus (Update)

Two spacecraft are heading for a close Venus encounter: Solar Orbiter passes by on August 9th and BepiColombo on August 10th.

EnVision

Solar System

What Will ESA's EnVision Learn at Venus?

ESA's EnVision mission to Venus adds to the growing number of spacecraft investigating our sister planet. How will they work together to understand our sister planet'?

Radar view of Venus

Solar System

Venus Surface Is Fragmented Like “Pack Ice”

A new analysis of old data suggests that some of our sister planet’s unique surface formations are due to a “squishy” crust and an active interior.

Venus

Solar System

We're Heading to Venus! NASA Selects Discovery-class Missions

After a hiatus of several decades, NASA is about to return to Venus in a big way.

Infrared Jupiter

Solar System

Sights and Sounds of the Solar System

Spacecraft are returning sights and sounds from Venus, Jupiter, and beyond — here's a sampling.

Pioneer Venus

Solar System

Did Pioneer Venus Find Phosphine First?

NASA's Pioneer Venus mission, which launched in 1978, found the first tantalizing clues of phosphine, a potential biosignature gas — but it took 40 years to realize it!

Venus

Pro-Am Collaboration

Calling on Amateur Astronomers: Observe Venus!

The Mercury-bound BepiColombo spacecraft will fly by Venus on October 15th, and the mission is asking amateurs for their help.

EnVision Orbiter

Solar System

Race to Venus: How We’ll Verify Phosphine

Confirming phosphine's presence on Venus is difficult from Earth . . . and that makes a good case for a mission to our sister planet.

Gibbous Venus from Akatsuki

Solar System

Potential Biosignature Found in Venus’s Clouds

Astronomers might have found a potential indication of life in the clouds of Venus.

Venus-Jupiter conjunction

Planets

How Bright Are the Planets?

What do Venus and Jupiter have in common? Revisions to planets' magnitudes in this year's Astronomical Almanac have revealed some surprises.

Night Sky Sights

See the Phases of Venus

If you have a set of binoculars or a telescope, watch for Venus’s thinning crescent over the next couple weeks.