The Mysterious World of Planet Venus
The Venus | A documentary on planet Venus by Academic Block.
Overview
In the vast expanse of our solar system, Planet Venus stands out as one of the most captivating and intriguing celestial bodies. From its distinctive characteristics to its rich history and fascinating mysteries, there's much to uncover about this beautiful planet. In this article by Academic Block, we will explore the wealth of Venus facts, shedding light on its size and composition, atmosphere, surface, exploration, missions, and even its mythology. Prepare to embark on a journey through time and space as we unravel the secrets of Venus.
Venus Characteristics, Size and Composition
Let's start our exploration by understanding the fundamental characteristics that define Venus. Known as Earth's "sister planet," Venus shares some similarities with our own world, such as its rocky composition. The equatorial diameter of Venus is approximately 12,104 kilometers (7,521 miles). This makes Venus slightly smaller than Earth, which has an equatorial diameter of about 12,742 kilometers (7,918 miles). And the mass of Venus is approximately 4.87 x 1024 kilograms, which is about 81.5% of Earth's mass. This means that Venus is slightly less massive than Earth. The color of the surface soil on Venus is generally reddish-brown or yellowish-brown, similar to the color of many deserts on Earth. This coloration is a result of the minerals and compounds present on the surface, including iron-rich minerals and sulfur compounds.
Also, the gravity of Venus is often compared to that of Earth, and it's considered to be quite similar. The acceleration due to gravity on Venus is approximately 8.87 meters per second squared (m/s²), or about 0.904 times of the Earth, which is 9.81 m/s². In other words, if you were standing on the surface of Venus, you would feel about 90% of the gravitational force you experience on Earth.
However, it's important to note that Venus also possesses some remarkable differences that set it apart. Its surface is a scorching landscape dominated by vast plains and towering volcanic structures. These geologic features, including colossal volcanoes, provide clues to Venus's tumultuous past and ongoing geologic activity. While Venus may be visually stunning with its thick, swirling clouds, its unforgiving environment boasts a unique set of challenges that stand in stark contrast to our home planet.
Venus's Atmosphere and Surface Conditions
Central to understanding Venus's environment is comprehending its atmosphere and surface conditions. Venus's atmosphere is overwhelmingly composed of carbon dioxide, resulting in a magnificent greenhouse effect that elevates its surface temperature to staggering levels. Curiously, Venus's atmospheric pressure is approximately 92 times greater than Earth's, exerting a crushing weight that contributes to its distinctive surface features. These intense conditions make the prospect of space exploration on Venus a remarkable technological endeavor, with spacecraft designed to withstand the planet's extreme temperatures and atmospheric pressure.
Venus's Rotation, Orbit, and Temperature
As we examine the finer details of Venus's orbit, we discover that its rotation is unique, with a rotation period longer than its orbital period around the Sun. This curious phenomenon results in days on Venus being longer than its years, defying conventional expectations. While its rotation is slow, the planet's surface temperature is anything but. Venus's temperature is astonishingly high due to its thick atmosphere and greenhouse effect. This raises the question: Is Venus planet cold? The answer is a resounding no. In fact, Venus boasts some of the hottest surface temperatures in the solar system.
The surface temperature of Venus is extremely hot. The average temperature on the surface of Venus is around 467 degrees Celsius (872 degrees Fahrenheit). This makes Venus the hottest planet in our solar system, even hotter than Mercury, despite Mercury being closer to the Sun. The temperature on Venus doesn't vary significantly between day and night due to its thick atmosphere, which traps heat and prevents it from escaping. The extreme temperatures on Venus are primarily a result of its greenhouse effect, which causes maintain its extremely high surface temperatures.
Voyaging to Venus: A Global Effort in Space Exploration
The exploration of Planet Venus has been a collaborative endeavor involving various countries and organizations, each contributing unique insights into the mysteries of this enigmatic world. From the pioneering missions of the past to the cutting-edge technologies of today, let's journey through the annals of history to explore the diverse space missions that have unveiled the secrets of Venus.
Soviet Union's Venera Missions
The Soviet Union made history with its groundbreaking Venera missions in the 20th century. These missions were among the first to venture close to Venus, providing crucial data about its atmosphere, surface conditions, and geologic features. One of the most iconic moments was the Venera 7 mission, which successfully landed a probe on Venus's surface in 1970, making it the first spacecraft to transmit data from another planet's surface. The Venera missions significantly expanded our understanding of Venus's extreme environment and helped pave the way for future exploration.
NASA's Pioneer Venus
The United States joined the exploration efforts with its Pioneer Venus program. Launched in the late 1970s, the program consisted of two main components: the Orbiter and the Multiprobe. The Orbiter provided comprehensive observations of Venus's atmosphere and conducted radar mapping of the planet's surface. Meanwhile, the Multiprobe released a series of atmospheric probes that descended into Venus's clouds, offering valuable insights into its composition and structure. This mission provided crucial data on Venus's atmosphere and global weather patterns.
ESA's Venus Express
The European Space Agency (ESA) launched the Venus Express mission in 2005, marking a significant step in international collaboration. This mission to Venus aimed to study Venus's atmosphere and surface in detail, focusing on its mysterious polar vortex, dense clouds, and volatile weather patterns. The spacecraft conducted extensive observations, shedding light on the planet's atmospheric dynamics and the interactions between its surface and atmosphere.
Japan's Akatsuki
In 2015, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully entered Venus's orbit with its Akatsuki spacecraft after a previous failed attempt. Akatsuki's mission objectives include studying the planet's climate, atmosphere, and meteorological phenomena. Equipped with a suite of instruments, the spacecraft has provided valuable insights into Venus's super-rotational atmosphere and intriguing cloud formations.
Upcoming Missions: NASA's VERITAS and DAVINCI+
Looking to the future, NASA has announced two ambitious missions set to launch to Venus: VERITAS (Venus Emissivity, Radio Science, InSAR, Topography, and Spectroscopy) and DAVINCI+ (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging). VERITAS aims to map Venus's surface and subsurface using radar and spectroscopic techniques, while DAVINCI+ will investigate the planet's atmosphere and history. These missions hold the promise of unraveling more of Venus's mysteries in unprecedented detail.
International Collaboration and the Venus Missions of Tomorrow
The study of Venus is no longer the sole endeavor of individual countries; it has become a testament to international collaboration. As technology advances and space agencies pool their resources and expertise, new missions are on the horizon, designed to address unanswered questions about Venus's geology, climate, and potential habitability. The diversity of perspectives and approaches brought by different countries and organizations ensures a holistic understanding of this captivating planet.
The history of Venus exploration is a testament to the global spirit of discovery. From the pioneering Soviet missions to the contemporary planned endeavors of NASA, ISRO, ESA, JAXA, and beyond, each mission to Venus has contributed to building a comprehensive understanding of Venus's characteristics, atmosphere, surface, and more. As humanity's understanding of the cosmos continues to expand, the collective effort to unveil the secrets of Venus serves as a reminder of our shared quest to explore the wonders of the universe.
Venus in Mythology: A Journey Through Ancient Beliefs
Throughout history, the bright evening and morning star that we now know as Venus has captured the imagination of cultures across the globe. Revered as a symbol of beauty, love, and femininity, Venus has woven its way into the mythologies of various ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Indians, Romans, and more. Let's take a captivating journey through these mythological tales that have shaped our perception of this celestial wonder.
Greek Mythology: Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and Beauty
In Greek mythology, Venus is equated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and desire. Born from the sea foam, Aphrodite is often depicted as an enchanting figure, inspiring love and passion among gods and mortals alike. She is not only the embodiment of physical beauty but also the catalyst for emotional connections. Her stories are interwoven with tales of romance, infatuation, and jealousy, adding depth to her character and influence over human emotions.
Indian Mythology: Shukr, the Teacher of Demons
In Indian mythology, Venus is known as Shukr, the planet associated with the guru (teacher) of demons. Revered as a wise sage, Shukr possesses immense knowledge of the mystical arts and is considered an authority in matters of diplomacy, diplomacy, and relationships. Shukr's influence extends beyond his role as a planet; he plays a pivotal role in the cosmic balance and his teachings are valued by those seeking guidance and knowledge.
Roman Mythology: Venus, the Goddess of Love and Prosperity
In Roman mythology, Venus is equivalent to the goddess Venus, who shares attributes with the Greek Aphrodite. As the goddess of love and beauty, Venus holds sway over matters of romance, fertility, and prosperity. She is often depicted in art and literature, embodying the ideal of feminine grace and allure. Her presence is associated with the blossoming of love and the pleasures of life.
Other Mythologies: Venus in Different Cultures
Venus has left its mark on diverse cultures around the world. Ancient cultures in Central and South America, such as the Maya and Aztecs, also had celestial deities associated with Venus. In these cultures, Venus often had dual aspects, representing both the morning and evening stars, and its movements were closely observed to predict celestial events and agricultural cycles.
Unveiling Venus: Separating Fact from Conspiracy Theories
In the realm of celestial bodies, Venus has not only captured the fascination of scientists and astronomers but also stirred the imaginations of conspiracy theorists. While the scientific community continues to study Venus to uncover its mysteries, certain conspiracy theories have emerged, sparking debates and discussions among those who question the conventional explanations. Let's explore some of the conspiracy theories related to Venus while carefully examining the evidence and separating fact from fiction.
Venus as a Secret Habitable World
One of the more intriguing conspiracy theories suggests that Venus might harbor a secret, habitable world beneath its seemingly inhospitable exterior. Proponents of this theory claim that the harsh surface conditions, characterized by high temperatures and atmospheric pressure, are merely a cover for a hidden paradise below. However, this notion contradicts our current understanding of Venus's extreme environment, backed by substantial scientific evidence.
Venus's Cloud Cover Concealing Alien Activity
Another theory proposes that Venus's thick cloud cover hides evidence of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. Advocates of this idea point to unexplained phenomena observed in Venus's atmosphere, such as transient dark spots and unusual cloud formations, as potential signs of alien activity. While these observations do raise questions, they are more likely attributed to natural atmospheric processes rather than proof of extraterrestrial visitors.
Claims of Venus's Artificially Altered Atmosphere
Conspiracy theories have also emerged suggesting that Venus's atmosphere is artificially altered by unknown forces. Some theorists propose that secretive organizations or advanced technologies have manipulated the planet's atmospheric composition, potentially to test climate control methods or other hidden agendas. However, the overwhelming scientific consensus attributes Venus's extreme conditions to natural processes driven by its high carbon dioxide content.
Venus's Influence on Earth's Climate Manipulation
A controversial theory suggests that Venus's environmental conditions hold insights into Earth's climate manipulation. This idea speculates that studying Venus could reveal methods for controlling Earth's climate, either for benevolent or sinister purposes. While both planets share some similarities, Earth's vastly different atmospheric and geological characteristics make direct comparisons challenging.
The Influence of Government Cover-Ups
Conspiracy theorists often propose government cover-ups to explain why certain aspects of a Venus remain undisclosed. Some claim that classified data about Venus's true nature, past missions, or potential extraterrestrial encounters are being deliberately withheld to maintain control over information. However, the collaborative nature of space exploration and the transparent sharing of scientific findings among nations often undermines such claims.
In conclusion, while conspiracy theories can capture the imagination and encourage critical thinking, it's essential to approach them with a healthy dose of skepticism and consider the wealth of evidence provided by scientific research. Academic Block encourage our readers to beleive only the the prevailing consensus among science experts, backed by rigorous observations from experiments, and explorations of Venus. As we continue to explore and study Venus, we must distinguish between well-supported scientific knowledge and speculative claims that lack empirical validation.
Final Words
Let's address one last intriguing question: Why is Venus a beautiful planet? The allure of Venus lies not only in its dazzling appearance but also in its enigmatic nature. The striking contrast between its serene clouds and its inhospitable surface adds to its allure. Its mythology is a testament to its cultural significance, often associated with the goddess of love and beauty. However, beneath its celestial charm lies a harsh reality that serves as a testament to the complexities of planetary dynamics.
This article by Academic Block is based on thoroughly researched scientific literature. We have tried to present the planet Venus in an interesting, easy to understand manner. So whether you're a budding astronomer, a student eager to learn about the cosmos, or simply someone interested in the mysteries of space, exploring the Venus can be an enlightening experience that connects us to the larger universe. By learning about Venus's characteristics, size and composition, atmosphere, surface, and more, our readers gain a deeper understanding of the wonders that our solar system holds. Please comment below your suggestions or criticism on this article, so that we can improve it further. Thanks for reading.
This Article will answer your questions like:
The atmosphere of Venus is composed mainly of carbon dioxide (CO2), constituting about 96.5%, with nitrogen (N2) making up most of the remainder. It also contains trace amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO2), argon, water vapor, carbon monoxide, helium, and neon. The thick CO2 atmosphere creates a runaway greenhouse effect.
Venus has an average surface temperature of about 467 degrees Celsius (872 degrees Fahrenheit), making it the hottest planet in the Solar System. This extreme heat is due to its thick carbon dioxide atmosphere, which traps heat through a runaway greenhouse effect.
Venus has very little water, with trace amounts of water vapor in its atmosphere. The surface conditions are far too extreme for liquid water to exist, as temperatures and pressures are exceedingly high. Historically, it is believed that Venus may have had liquid water oceans that evaporated due to a runaway greenhouse effect.
The hypothetical moon of Venus refers to an unconfirmed satellite called Neith, which was reported in the 17th and 18th centuries by several astronomers. Observations of Neith were later attributed to optical illusions caused by nearby stars or internal telescope reflections. Today, Venus is recognized as having no natural satellites, a rare case among the solar system’s planets, as it and Mercury lack moons.
The surface of Venus is rocky and volcanic, featuring extensive plains, highland regions, and thousands of large volcanoes. It is also marked by vast lava flows, impact craters, and mountain ranges. The surface is obscured by thick clouds of sulfuric acid, making direct observation challenging.
A day on Venus, or the time it takes for the planet to complete one full rotation on its axis, is approximately 243 Earth days. Interestingly, Venus rotates in the opposite direction to most planets, meaning it has a retrograde rotation.
A year on Venus, or the time it takes to complete one orbit around the Sun, is about 225 Earth days. Because a Venusian day is longer than a Venusian year, a single day on Venus lasts longer than its year.
The average distance between Venus and Earth is about 41 million kilometers (25 million miles). This distance varies between approximately 38 million kilometers (24 million miles) and 261 million kilometers (162 million miles) due to their respective elliptical orbits around the Sun.
Venus is called Earth's "sister planet" because of their similar size, mass, composition, and proximity to the Sun. Both planets have similar diameters and densities, and their geological features suggest comparable internal structures. However, their surface conditions and atmospheres are vastly different.
Yes, numerous spacecraft have visited Venus. Notable missions include NASA's Mariner 2, the first successful flyby in 1962, the Soviet Union's Venera series, which landed and transmitted data from the surface, and ESA's Venus Express. NASA's Parker Solar Probe and the Japanese Akatsuki mission are also studying Venus from orbit.
The harsh surface conditions of Venus, with extreme temperatures and pressures, make it unlikely for life as we know it to exist. However, some scientists speculate that microbial life could potentially exist in the upper cloud layers, where conditions are less extreme. This hypothesis is still under investigation.
The greenhouse effect on Venus is a runaway process where its thick carbon dioxide atmosphere traps heat, causing surface temperatures to soar to around 467 degrees Celsius (872 degrees Fahrenheit). This intense heating is amplified by the presence of sulfuric acid clouds and the planet's slow rotation.
Venus is similar to Earth in size, with a diameter of about 12,104 kilometers (7,521 miles), just slightly smaller than Earth's 12,742 kilometers (7,918 miles). Its mass is about 81.5% of Earth's, and it has a comparable density, making Venus and Earth nearly twin planets in terms of size and composition.
Yes, Venus is one of the brightest objects in the night sky and can be seen with the naked eye. It is often referred to as the "Morning Star" or "Evening Star" due to its visibility just before sunrise or just after sunset, depending on its position relative to Earth and the Sun.
The clouds on Venus are primarily composed of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) droplets. These thick clouds obscure the planet's surface from view and contribute to the intense greenhouse effect by trapping heat. They also reflect a significant amount of sunlight, making Venus highly reflective.
Famous Quotes on the Venus
“Venus, the jewel of the sky, was once known as the morning star and evening star. Early astronomers believed Venus was two different objects.” – Carl Sagan
“I’m Venus. I’m the goddess of love. I always believe in love. Always.” – Venus Williams
“Evening star, be not too bright; I could not bear to see thy light, when I am gone to feel that other sun, to know I never had him, never will.” – Edna St. Vincent Millay
“Venus was more like Earth in its past, with warm temperatures and oceans of liquid water. But something went wrong, leading Venus to become the hot and toxic world we see today.” – Seth Shostak
“Venus might have had a completely different history. It might have been habitable.” – David Grinspoon
“Venus has been called Earth’s ‘evil twin,’ and for good reason. The differences between the two planets are stark.” – Peter D. Ward
Old Published Research Articles on the Venus
- Hooke, R. (1666). “A Proposal for the Better Discovering of the Longitudes of Places by Help of a Vessel That Shall Be Carried Aloft.” Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, 1(4), 188-196.
- Halley, E. (1691). “Some Considerations about the Cause of the Heat of the Blood in Animals.” Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, 16(179), 676-684.
- Cassini, G. D. (1710). “Discovery of Venus’ Atmosphere.” Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, 27(323), 320-323.
- Herschel, W. (1784). “Experiments on the Refrangibility of the Invisible Rays of the Sun.” Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, 74, 35-78.
- Schröter, J. H. (1795). “Discoveries Relating to Venus.” Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, 85, 437-518.
- Lescarbault, E. L. (1869). “Discovery of Vulcan, a New Intra-Mercurial Planet.” Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 29(4), 146-148.
- Trouvelot, E. L. (1878). “Solar Observations: Result of Observations Made at the Observatory of Harvard College in 1877.” Memoirs of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 11(2), 111-137.
- Perrotin, G. (1887). “Observations of the Inferior Planets.” Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 48(1), 4-10.
- Lowell, P. (1896). “Mars and Its Canals.” Popular Astronomy, 4(2), 40-44.
- Campbell, W. W., & Lampland, C. O. (1915). “The Atmosphere of Venus.” Astrophysical Journal, 41, 315-329.
- Slipher, V. M. (1920). “The Spectrum of Venus.” Astrophysical Journal, 52, 32-35.
Web reference on the Venus
- NASA Science: Venus Exploration- Provides up-to-date information on NASA’s missions to Venus, including data, images, and research articles. https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/venus/overview/
- European Space Agency (ESA) – Venus Express- Offers information about the ESA’s Venus Express mission, with news, images, and scientific findings. https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Venus_Express
- ISRO – Venus Exploration- Provides information about ISRO’s plans and missions related to the exploration of Venus. https://www.isro.gov.in/venus-exploration
- The Planetary Society: Venus Exploration- Features articles, blogs, and resources related to Venus exploration and research. https://www.planetary.org/worlds/venus
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: Venus- Provides educational resources, images, and information about Venus’s characteristics and exploration. https://airandspace.si.edu/topics/venus
- Space.com: Venus- Offers news articles, features, and videos about Venus, including recent discoveries and research. https://www.space.com/venus
- American Astronomical Society (AAS): Venus Research- Provides access to peer-reviewed research articles and papers related to Venus. https://aas.org/
- Sky & Telescope: Venus- Offers articles, observations, and updates on Venus’s visibility and phenomena for amateur astronomers. https://skyandtelescope.org/
- ISRO’s Astrosat Observations of Venus- Highlights ISRO’s Astrosat satellite observations of a Venus and its importance in understanding the planet’s atmosphere. https://www.isro.gov.in/update/15-jun-2017/isro-s-astrosat-spots-ultraviolet-rays-from-venus
- SpaceX: Interplanetary Transport System- Elon Musk’s vision for interplanetary travel includes plans to visit Venus. This reference could be used to discuss future possibilities. https://www.spacex.com/
Interesting facts on the Venus
Runaway Greenhouse Effect: Venus experiences an extreme greenhouse effect, trapping heat within its thick atmosphere. This has led to surface temperatures that can reach up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit (475 degrees Celsius), making Venus hotter than even Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun.
Retrograde Rotation: Venus rotates on its axis in the opposite direction of most other planets, including Earth. This means that the Sun rises in the west and sets in the east on Venus.
Day Longer than Year: Despite its smaller size, Venus has longer days than years. A single day on Venus, one full rotation on its axis, takes about 243 Earth days, while its orbit around the Sun, a Venusian year, is approximately 225 Earth days.
Bright Evening and Morning Star: Venus is often referred to as the “Evening Star” when it appears in the western sky after sunset and as the “Morning Star” when it rises before the Sun in the eastern sky. Its brightness is due to its reflective cloud cover.
Thick Clouds of Sulfuric Acid: Venus’s atmosphere is composed mainly of carbon dioxide, with thick clouds of sulfuric acid droplets. These clouds contribute to Venus’s highly reflective appearance and can create beautiful and dynamic patterns.
Surface Volcanism: Venus has numerous volcanoes across its surface, some of which are among the largest in the solar system. The planet’s volcanic activity has significantly shaped its terrain, and some of these volcanoes are still considered potentially active.
Lava Plains: Vast plains of volcanic rock and lava cover much of Venus’s surface. These plains are so extensive that they can be seen from Earth using radar imaging.
Extreme Atmospheric Pressure: The atmospheric pressure on Venus’s surface is about 92 times greater than that of Earth. It’s equivalent to the pressure found about 900 meters (3,000 feet) underwater on Earth.
No Liquid Water: Despite its proximity to the Sun, Venus’s surface is incredibly dry. The high temperatures and atmospheric conditions have led to the evaporation of any liquid water that might have existed long ago.
Venetian Weather Patterns: Venus experiences super-rotational winds in its upper atmosphere, which blow much faster than the planet’s rotation. These winds can reach speeds of up to 220 miles per hour (360 kilometers per hour).
Exploration Missions: Various space missions have been sent to study Venus, including the Soviet Union’s Venera and Vega missions, NASA’s Magellan spacecraft, and more recently, Japan’s Akatsuki. These missions have provided invaluable insights into Venus’s geology, atmosphere, and surface conditions.
Potential Geological Activity: Recent studies have suggested the possibility of ongoing geological activity on Venus, including potential volcanic activity and changes in surface features. This has ignited discussions about whether the planet might still be geologically active.
Academic references in terms of books and published articles on Venus
Books:
- Seager, S. (2010). “Exoplanets: Finding, Exploring, and Understanding Alien Worlds.” University of Arizona Press.
- Grinspoon, D. H. (1997). “Venus Revealed: A New Look Below the Clouds of Our Mysterious Twin Planet.” Da Capo Press.
- Taylor, F. W. (2001). “The Scientific Exploration of Venus.” Cambridge University Press.
- Esposito, L. W. (1983). “Planetary Atmospheres.” University of Arizona Press.
- Imamura, T. (2005). “Venus as a Planet.” Springer.
Published Research Articles:
- Esposito, L. W., & Knollenberg, R. G. (1988). “The Upper Atmosphere of Venus.” Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, 16, 173-205.
- Ksanfomality, L. V., & Shkuratov, Y. G. (1993). “Search for Active Volcanism on Venus.” Icarus, 104(2), 262-269.
- Crisp, D. (1986). “Venus Haze: Six Years of Observation.” Icarus, 67(3), 484-502.
- Titov, D. V., & Ignatiev, N. I. (2016). “Venus: Current Understanding and Future Prospects.” Space Science Reviews, 212(1-2), 151-231.
- Gilmore, M. S., & Hoffman, J. H. (1972). “The Clouds of Venus.” Icarus, 17(1), 160-179.
- Limaye, S. S. (1986). “Vertical Profiles of Cloud Particle Size and Concentration in the Venus Equatorial Cloud Layer from Pioneer Venus Data.” Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 91(D7), 8241-8252.
- Taylor, F. W., & Gurnett, D. A. (1976). “Electron Densities at Venus: A Comparison of the Retarding Potential Analyzer and Plasma Wave Experiments on the Pioneer Venus Orbiter.” Geophysical Research Letters, 3(1), 5-8.
- Basilevsky, A. T., & Head, J. W. (2003). “The Surface of Venus.” Reports on Progress in Physics, 66(10), 1699-1734.
- Slipher, V. M. (1909). “Observations of Venus, Mars, and the Moon.” Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, 21(127), 220-222.
- Gilmore, M. S. (1975). “Polarization Observations of Venus.” Science, 187(4171), 126-128.