Scientists from the University of Trento have provided the first direct evidence of massive tunnels beneath the surface of Venus. This study confirms long-standing theories about the volcanic history of the rocky plant. The shell reveals a massive tunnel nearly 0.6 miles wide, with a roof thickness of about 490 feet and an internal height of at least 1,200 feet.
The discovery is crucial and echoes co-author Lorenzo Bruzzone’s comments on the planet’s history. Although Venus is known for its extreme density and hostile atmosphere, these factors had previously prevented direct observation of such subsurface features.
Lava tubes have been observed to form when low-viscosity lava flows beneath a hardened crust, eventually draining away and leaving a hollow tunnel.
How did the discovery of Venus pave the way for future exploration?
The existence of such a large tube suggests a vast, hidden network beneath Venus’ crust. These discoveries pave the way for future exploration, especially for upcoming missions such as NASA’s VERITAS and the European Space Agency’s Envision, scheduled for launch in 2031. These systems will be able to delve into these ancient volcanic underworlds to map the boundaries of Venus’s hidden tunnels.
