Scientists from the University of Colorado Boulder have made a groundbreaking discovery that may explain why Venus, often referred to as Earth’s twin, is a hot, arid planet without water. Despite being located in the Goldilocks Zone, Venus is devoid of water, unlike Earth.
The team of researchers have identified a molecule called HCO+ that could be the key culprit in Venus losing its water billions of years ago. This molecule is produced in the Venusian atmosphere and is believed to be responsible for removing water molecules from the planet.
This finding sheds new light on the evolution of Venus and its potential similarities to Earth in the distant past. It is speculated that Venus may have had as much water as Earth at one point in time.
However, NASA’s upcoming DAVINCI mission, set to launch in 2029 to study Venus’ atmosphere, lacks the necessary equipment to detect HCO+. The researchers are hopeful that future missions to Venus will be able to confirm their findings by detecting this vital molecule.
The research was recently published in the prestigious journal Nature, showcasing the significance of this discovery in the field of planetary science. This breakthrough may pave the way for further research and exploration of Venus, unlocking more mysteries of our neighboring planet. Stay tuned for more updates on this intriguing topic.
