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A CG image of Venus, based on radar observation (Courtesy of NASA)
Russia and the United States have studied Venus in the past, and a European spacecraft is in operation today. These studies have shown us, for example, that:
The high heat on Venus is a result of a greenhouse effect caused by carbon dioxide. This can be seen as the ultimate result of runaway global warming.
An interesting finding from a recent study is the detection in Venus's highland regions of a mineral with a spectral feature similar to granite, which usually forms in an environment where there is water. This discovery was made by a Japanese researcher, through analysis of observation data acquired on previous missions. This may suggest that there were once oceans on Venus like there are on Earth. If this is true, what did they look like and how did they disappear? We cannot answer these questions without understanding the mechanism of Venus's atmospheric circulation and the history of its variation. The meteorological research we are trying to conduct with AKATSUKI is an important opportunity to solve such puzzles, and the mission is highly anticipated by scientists around the world who study planetary atmosphere.
Venus and Earth have taken different paths
Venus is known as Earth's twin planet. In our solar system, it's the only planet that is similar to Earth in size and mass, and its birth is thought to have been similar in timing and shape. So what made Venus and Earth take different paths? How is what is happening on Venus today different from what is happening on Earth? Once we can explain the structure of Venus, we will be able to better understand Earth. For example, we may discover the reasons that only Earth has been able to sustain oceans, and why only Earth is abundant in life. We will also learn how changes in atmospheric mass and rotation velocity impact meteorological phenomena. I think this is the major reason so many planetary scientists are interested in Venus. Besides, Venus is a very mysterious planet. From the inexplicable wind and lightning, to the presence of oceans in its past and the current status of volcanic activity on Venus, there are many interesting questions waiting to be solved. As scientists, we have no choice but to pursue the answers.