Researchers at Tohoku University have solved a decades-old mystery about Venus's lower atmospheric haze, identifying cosmic dust from meteorites as the source. Using a microphysical model, they found that burning meteorites leave behind particles that interact with sulfuric acid to form the persistent haze layer, ruling out previous volcanic ash and surface dust theories.
Background
The Venusian lower haze was first observed by Venera and Pioneer Venus probes in the 1970s but remained unexplained for over five decades despite its prominence in observations.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Oct 2, 2026 at 06:27 AM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10