Picture Venus. You know, the second planet from the sun, where the clouds are shot through with sulfuric acid and the surface is hot enough to melt lead.
What color is it?
For the longest time, I thought of Venus as caramel-colored, swirled with golds, yellows, and brownswarm colors that matched the planets reputation for being a scorching world covered in volcanoes. And then I saw a picture of Venus that James ODonoghue, a planetary astronomer, shared online recently. It was not any toasty shade, not even close. It was milky-white and featureless. A big old space pearl. This is what it looks like to a human being flying by, ODonoghue wrote in his post.
Whaaat? That couldnt be right. I went to my bookshelf and pulled out some space books, flipping to their pages on Venus. In National Geographics Space Atlas, Second Edition: amber. In The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration: butterscotch. In a thick magazine called the Book of the Solar System: gold. My editor sent me pictures of the illustrations from her toddlers books on the solar system, and they showed more of the same. It seemed as if we had all been bamboozled, hoodwinked, led astray. I had seen pictures of Venus in muted shades beforeId used one in a story about the planets atmospherebut this other nondescript, alabaster world seemed wrong. It didnt resemble a planet frequently described as hellish, where the surface conditions have crumpled any spacecraft that made it through the poison clouds and dared to land.
I was so stunned that I reached out to one of my best Venus sources and demanded, Why didnt you tell me? Suddenly I had questions about the whole solar system, and so did the rest of The Atlantics Science desk. As one of my colleagues asked, when I told him about the true nature of Venus, Is Jupiters Great Red Spot even red?
It turns out that almost nothing in space is quite as vibrant as you think it is. Venus is only the beginning.
Read: Venus, the best and brightest
The most widespread image of Venusas an ochre, almost molten worldisnt a real picture, at least not in the typical way we think of pictures; it was made using radio waves. In the early 90s, a NASA spacecraft equipped with radar technology settled into orbit around Venus. Every time the probe, named Magellan, came close to the planet, it collected strips of data from all over Venus and sent them back to Earth. Eventually, the mission amassed enough strips to produce the first-ever radar map of the Venusian surface. We cant see radio waves, so astronomers translated them into colors that we can. They could have picked any color palette, ODonoghue told me. He imagines they went with this particular set because it befit the harsh, burnt landscape of Venus.
The Magellan shot was a significant upgrade over existing images of Venuss exterior, captured by a space probe in the 70s, which showed creamy-white cloud tops and not much else. Suddenly, mountains and craters were visible. The scientists who study Venus loved the orangey version, even though it was an interpretation, Martha Gilmore, a planetary geologist at Wesleyan University who studies the Venusian surface, told me. That color has permeated the Venus community since then, she said. Its in our logos.
Sorry to our human eyeballs, but apparently Venus just looks better in wavelengths we cant visually process. Because its sulfuric-acid clouds are so bright and reflective, the planet itself looks pretty bland from space in the visible spectrum, Paul Byrne, a planetary scientist at Washington University who studies Venus, told me. That image of a muted Venus Id used before was the planet in ultraviolet. Where the radar image helped tease out Venuss surface features, ultraviolet brought out swirly structures in its fast-moving clouds.
Read: The Photoshoppers behind dreamy Jupiter photos
Like Venuss classic portrait, most of the pictures of planets and other astronomical objects that youve seen, in textbooks or on NASA websites, are not natural-color views. Theyre rendered in different wavelengths, stitched together from raw data. Or the colors that really would be visible to the naked eye are adjusted in some way, heightened in order to show a more textured view of these worlds, to make their features pop, whether mountains or storms. We dont turn up our noses at artificial color, Candy Hansen, a senior scientist at the Planetary Science Institute who leads the imaging team on a Jupiter mission, once told me. We love artificial color.
So although in most pictures the Great Red Spot looks like a glob of marinara, in natural color the giant storm is more of a dusty rose. Seen from space, Mars is more brown than red. Saturn isnt really so yellow; its actually the kind of nice neutral youd paint a living room. Uranus is more gray than it is teal, and Neptune is a lovely azure, but not that blue. Plutos heart-shaped glacier doesnt stand out as much in true color.
Read: Astronomers are now obsessed with a particular gas on Venus
And the sun? The sun is nearly always depicted as yellow-orange when in space, even though its actually white in space, ODonoghue said. Its actually a lot of extra work to pull off a realistic sun in a space graphic, because a white ball looks really odd. Once again, whaaat?
So if Venus is a ping-pong ball on the outside, what color is it below the clouds? Scientists know that the surface is made of rock that resembles basalt found on Earth, which is dark gray, Byrne said. But chemical reactions between the rock and the atmosphere could turn the surface reddish. The Soviet missions that landed on the Venusian surface in the 70s and 80s took color photographs, revealing a yellowy landscape, before they succumbed to the harsh environment. But the true color was difficult to determine because Venuss atmosphere filters out blue light.
Astronomers will get a fresh look when a new NASA mission, designed to fly right through Venuss atmosphere and toward the surface, arrives in the early 2030s. Those pictures will be in near-infrared wavelengths, but astronomers will once again translate them into more distinct colors for the public to marvel at. Those images are bound to be stunning in their own way, but now that Im past the shock of it, I can understand the appeal of Venus the way wed see it ourselves, as the pearl of the solar system. Its a beautiful planet, Byrne said. Even if theres, like, a bunch of different ways to die there.
Link:
The Planets Aren't the Color You Probably Think They Are - The Atlantic
- 10 Fun Facts of the Day: Space Exploration - - BladenOnline.com - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- NASA Unveils Game-Changing Infrared Cameras for Earth and Space Exploration - SciTechDaily - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- China lands uncrewed spacecraft on far side of the moon - Yahoo News Australia - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- Peru and Slovakia sign the Artemis Accords for peaceful moon exploration - Space.com - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- Chandra X-ray Observatory's sharp imaging has been crucial for space exploration the past 25 years - Fast Company - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- In-space electric propulsion: powering the future EU space ecosystem - Cordis News - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- Narrow escapes: When space missions almost ended in disaster - The National - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- Why planetary protection matters to the future of space exploration - The Space Review - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- Space & Sustainability Part 2: The Role of Mobility in Ensuring the Space Industry's Growth - Fragomen - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- South Korea is Planning to Send a Mission to Mars by 2045 - Universe Today - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- ISRO and Wipro 3D partner for space exploration with 3D-printed rocket engine - Business Today - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- A Chinese spacecraft lands on moon's far side to collect rocks in growing space rivalry with US - pentictonherald.ca - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- Peru and Slovakia sign the Artemis Accords - SpaceNews - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- Ed Dwight finally goes to space on Blue Origin as 1st U.S. Black astronaut - The Washington Post - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- Japans Wooden Satellite to Combat Space Debris - DirectIndustry e-Magazine - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- Europe's space sector to soon welcome Ariane 6: 'The missions will be longer and more versatile' - Euronews - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- South Korea will fly to Mars in 2045 - The Universe. Space. Tech - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- ISRO and Wipro 3D partner for space exploration with 3D-printed rocket engine - MSN - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- Japanese space agency loses contact with Venus orbiter Akatsuki - Washington Times - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- 15 of the Most Life-Changing Spacecraft and Missions That Fueled Our Curiosity - DISCOVER Magazine - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- Zebrafish flourish in China's space station amid unusual behavior - NewsBytes - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]
- The Future of the Space Industry - Quillette - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- US economy to benefit from NASA investment in 3D-printable superalloy - Space.com - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- NASA Engages in Artemis Accords Workshop to Advance Exploration - NASA - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- Jennifer Scott Williams: Leading the Next Giant Leap in Space Exploration and Championing STEM Advocacy - NASA - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- ESA selects Thales Alenia Space and The Exploration Company for commercial cargo program - SpaceNews - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- Clare Luckey: Shaping the Future of Mars Missions and Inspiring the Artemis Generation - NASA - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- ISRO and US Discuss Future Space Collaboration Projects - SpaceWatch.Global - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- International Space Development Conference 2024 beams up Star Trek's William Shatner and more in Los Angeles - Space.com - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- How astronauts exercise to stay fit and healthy in space - Earth.com - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) - The Motley Fool - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- Space calendar 2024: Rocket launches and skywatching dates - Space.com - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- How Artemis astronauts will be protected from solar storms - SpaceNews - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- 50 years ago: USSR kills its Moon rocket - RussianSpaceWeb.com - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- Where Are India-US Ties Headed In Commercialisation Of Space? Expert Speaks To NDTV - NDTV - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- Chinese Spaceplane Releases Mysterious Orbital Object - The Daily Galaxy --Great Discoveries Channel - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- ESA - Celebrating Andreas - European Space Agency - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- NASA scrapped the next phase of its Mars mission. Now what? - Marketplace - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- NASA defends Artemis cost and schedule amid planning of possible changes - SpaceNews - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- Max Just Released a Documentary That Finally Does Justice to a Tragic NASA Disaster - MovieWeb - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- A Q&A with Katya Echazarreta, the first Mexican-born woman to travel to space - Astronomy Magazine - April 24th, 2024 [April 24th, 2024]
- Japans planning its first lunar steps with the Artemis program - The Hill - April 24th, 2024 [April 24th, 2024]
- DC Eyes Beijing's Investments In Space - Payload - Payload - April 24th, 2024 [April 24th, 2024]
- THIS WEEK @NASA: More Partners in Space Exploration, Upgrade to Testing Facilities for Artemis II - SpaceCoastDaily.com - April 24th, 2024 [April 24th, 2024]
- Explore Space and Poetry with NASA and Poet Laureate Ada Limn - sxsw.com - April 24th, 2024 [April 24th, 2024]
- NASA warns of secret military presence in space disguised as civilian programs - TweakTown - April 24th, 2024 [April 24th, 2024]
- NEW: UAH wins first place in college division in NASA's 30th Human Exploration Rover Challenge - Hville Blast - April 24th, 2024 [April 24th, 2024]
- Are we prepared for Chinese preeminence on the moon and Mars? (op-ed) - Space.com - April 24th, 2024 [April 24th, 2024]
- As space exploration increases, effective space regulation is a necessity - Verdict - April 24th, 2024 [April 24th, 2024]
- NASA Announces Winners of Power to Explore Challenge - NASA - April 24th, 2024 [April 24th, 2024]
- NASA tests walking robot on Mount Hood for space exploration with universities - KTVL - April 24th, 2024 [April 24th, 2024]
- Five future astronauts certified from European Space Agency's 2022 graduating class - UPI News - April 24th, 2024 [April 24th, 2024]
- Sweden becomes 38th country to sign NASA's Artemis Accords for moon exploration - Space.com - April 24th, 2024 [April 24th, 2024]
- Space start-up claims to have discovered propellant-free propulsion system - NewsBytes - April 24th, 2024 [April 24th, 2024]
- Soyuz Spacecraft Launches to Space Station With NASA Astronaut - SciTechDaily - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- This Week In Space podcast: Episode 103 Starship's Orbital Feat - Space.com - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- From 3D To Outer Space: Register For WCC Youth Summer Camps - mitechnews.com - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- NASA and SpaceX: Enhancing Space Exploration with the 30th Resupply Mission - Space Daily - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- The Cosmic Enigma: How Space Exploration is Unraveling the Universe's Birth Secrets - yTech - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Following Safe Return, NASA's SpaceX Crew-7 to Recount Space Mission - NASA - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- The Heat: Space Exploration - CGTN America - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- SpaceX Time-Lapse Video Captures the Essence of Space Travel - yTech - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- TOP 4 Reasons to Return to the Moon - The Universe. Space. Tech - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- SpaceX Dragon Successfully Attaches to ISS Bringing Vital Research Payloads - yTech - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- End of an Era: Delta IV Heavy Makes Final Journey to the Stars - yTech - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Photography exhibition at the Mound delves into space exploration - The National - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Lunar Node 1: the trailblazing lunar beacon guiding NASA's future in space exploration - Boing Boing - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- SpaceX's CRS-30 Mission: Delivering Innovations and Research to the ISS - yTech - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Remembering Tom Stafford, the Space Races Peacemaker (1930-2024) - AmericaSpace - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- 9 Hints That Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes Involves Space Travel - Screen Rant - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- NASA sends science projects and hardware aboard SpaceX's 30th resupply launch to ISS SatNews - SatNews - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft Docks to Space Station With New Science and Supplies - SciTechDaily - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Moon Race 2.0: Why so many nations and private companies are aiming for lunar landings - BBC.com - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- NASA Selects Texas A&M As First Approved Exploration Park Facility - Texas A&M University Today - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- The Space Economy in 2024 - OODA Loop - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Opinion | It's an exciting time in space exploration. But U.S. leadership is at risk. - The Washington Post - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- NASA Experiment With Fire in Space Ends When Entire Spacecraft Burns Up - Futurism - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- NASA Selects Texas A&M as First Approved Exploration Park Facility - NASA - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Ground-Based Lasers Could Accelerate Spacecraft to Other Stars - Universe Today - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- 8 Space Exploration Books to Add to Your TBR - Book Riot - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]