Short Wave Venus And Earth: A Tale Of Two 'Twins'
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Mar 20, 2023 Dr. Martha Gilmore, a planetary geologist at Wesleyan University, reveals groundbreaking findings on Venus, showing that it has active volcanic activity for the first time. She discusses the striking differences between Venus and Earth, exploring how their paths diverged despite sharing origins. Gilmore also touches on upcoming missions to explore Venus’s geology and chemistry, shedding light on its once potentially habitable state. The conversation emphasizes what our neighbor can teach us about climate change and the geological mysteries of our own planet.
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Venus and Earth: Twins?
- Venus is considered Earth's twin due to similar size and a potentially similar early atmosphere.
- However, Venus now has a toxic atmosphere and extreme surface temperatures.
Planetary Heat and Volcanism
- Earth and Venus, being similar in size, retain heat from formation and radioactive decay.
- This heat fuels volcanism, which influences atmospheres and geological activity, impacting habitability.
The Habitable Zone's Shift
- The habitable zone is where liquid water is stable, shifting outwards as a star ages.
- Venus may have held liquid water for billions of years, raising questions about its drastic transformation.