A group of German astrophysicists from the Berlin Institute for Optical Sensor Systems, the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy and other technical universities discovered oxygen atoms in the daytime atmosphere of Venus for the first time. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Nature Communications (NatComms).
Planetary scientists have long suspected that an atomic form of oxygen is present in Venus’ atmosphere on both the day and night sides. While high levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide have been measured in the planet’s atmosphere, finding evidence of oxygen in its elemental form has been more challenging due to its reactivity; It tends to combine quickly with other elements.
In the new study, the research team focused on 17 points in Venus’ atmosphere. They found evidence of atomic oxygen in all of them; This marks the first time oxygen in its atomic form has been observed on the solar side of the second planet in our system.
Researchers suggest that oxygen is formed by breaking down carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide molecules due to the energy of the Sun. They also believe that due to strong winds in Venus’ atmosphere, these atoms fell on the dark side of the planet. Once there, they probably combine to form molecular oxygen and react with other elements.
According to scientists, the atomic oxygen in Venus’ atmosphere is likely to have a cooling effect on the planet; When individual oxygen atoms collide with other molecules, such as carbon dioxide, energy is transferred to the molecule and then radiated. Therefore, the upper layers of Venus’ atmosphere cool.
Earlier astronomers to create Signs of the possible existence of life on ancient Venus.