What Can Be Gained From A New Mission To Earth's Twin Planet: Venturing to Venus

Alexandria, VA — What can be gained from a new mission to Earth’s twin planet? In the latest issue of Geotimes magazine, the mysteries of Venus are explored.

Venus is closer to Earth than Mars, yet little is known about this inhospitable planet. Its metal-melting temperatures and extreme pressure make research on the planet difficult, but Venus could hold keys to Earth’s evolution and future.

Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VEXAG) was formed by NASA in 2005 to outline scientific goals for future missions to the planet. What technological advances need to be made to get an explorer to Venus’ atmosphere or even its surface? What research projects will the explorer be expected to do? Most importantly, what will the findings tell us about Earth? VEXAG is waiting for its opportunity to send a funded mission to Venus to answer these questions.

Learn more about the history and future of geologic exploration on Venus plus more on planetary geology, including the latest on the upcoming moon missions and an exploration of Jupiter’s closest moon, Io, in the latest issue of Geotimes magazine, available now on newsstands and on the Web at http://www.geotimes.org.