Parker Probe Swings by Venus
11/5/2024

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is slated to have its seventh and final swing by our sister planet Venus on November 6^th. These encounters tighten its choreographed orbit around the Sun, with this last one bringing the craft to within 3.8 million miles of its surface. While the Sun is the principal object for investigation, the plucky spacecraft has also been helpful examining our sister planet. During the last encounter in July 202, scientists were surprised to find the spacecraft's camera could peer through the dense clouds all the way to its surface, revealing distinct features, such as continental regions, plains and plateaus.

Venus Discontinuity Spotted Again
8/1/2024

The Venus Cloud Discontinuity, first reported in 2016, has been captured again by ALPO member Luigi Morrone in recent images as the planet emerged from superior conjunction. Scientists are not sure why this unique atmospheric wall formed and continue to study it to learn more. Congratulations to Luigi for imaging the rift and underscoring how amateur astronomers still contribute to scientific investigation.

Oxygen Uncovered in Venus' Atmosphere
11/8/2023

 German scientists using data obtained from NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) have detected molecular oxygen on our sister planet. While observed before on the nightside of Venus this marks the first time it has been detected in the day-lit regions as well.