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Key molecule discovered in Venus’s atmosphere

15 May 2008

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Hydroxyl detected in the Venusian atmosphere

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Hydroxyl, an important but difficult-to-detect molecule, is made up of a hydrogen and oxygen atom each. It has been found in the upper reaches of the Venusian atmosphere, some 100 km above the surface, by Venus Express’s Visible and Infrared Thermal Imaging Spectrometer, VIRTIS.

Credits: ESA (Image by C. Carreau)

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Venus Express is studying largely unknown phenomena in the Venusian atmosphere like never before. Its suite of instruments is also digging into the interaction between the solar wind and the planetary environment. In addition, the mission is gathering glimpses of the planet's surface, which is strictly coupled with its dense atmosphere.

Credits: ESA (Image by AOES Medialab)

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