Although taken almost eight years ago, the European Space Agency have only today released this superb image of Venus’ south pole.
Taken using the Visible and Infrared Thermal Imaging Spectrometer (VIRTIS) aboard the European Space Agency’s Venus Express, the image above shows swirling gas and cloud at Venus’ south pole.
Vortices are formed because heated air from the equator rises and spirals towards the poles. As the air converges at the pole, it sinks - creating a vortex. This effect can be seen in your bath - the water falling towards the plughole can also create a vortex.
Taken using the Visible and Infrared Thermal Imaging Spectrometer (VIRTIS) aboard the European Space Agency’s Venus Express, the image above shows swirling gas and cloud at Venus’ south pole.
Vortices are formed because heated air from the equator rises and spirals towards the poles. As the air converges at the pole, it sinks - creating a vortex. This effect can be seen in your bath - the water falling towards the plughole can also create a vortex.
The Venus Express probe was used to capture this image. After its arrival in 2006, the spacecraft began collecting data for scientists back at Earth. Among its discoveries was a double vortex found at the Venus’ south pole in 2011, and auroras seen in 2012.
Sadly the Venus Express is no longer operating. In December of last year, controllers at ESA announced the mission was over and it is only a matter of time before the probe will break up naturally in the atmosphere, if it hasn’t done already.
Sadly the Venus Express is no longer operating. In December of last year, controllers at ESA announced the mission was over and it is only a matter of time before the probe will break up naturally in the atmosphere, if it hasn’t done already.