Mysterious distinctive component of Venus’ clouds revealed

2024-01-05 17:49:41

MADRID, 5 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) –

Cambridge researchers have been able to identify the mysterious component that may explain the spots and streaks in the clouds of Venus, only visible in the ultraviolet range.

In a new study published in Science Advances, synthesized iron-containing sulfate minerals that are stable in the harsh chemical conditions of Venus’ clouds. These clouds are mainly formed by droplets of sulfuric acid with some water, chlorine and iron.

Spectroscopic analysis revealed that a combination of two mineralsrhomboclase and acidic ferric sulfate, may explain the mysterious UV absorption feature on our neighboring planet.

“The only data available on cloud composition was collected by probes and revealed strange properties of clouds that until now we have not been able to fully explain“said Paul Rimmer of the Cavendish Laboratory and co-author of the study. “In particular, when examined under ultraviolet light, the clouds of Venus exhibited a specific ultraviolet absorption pattern. “What elements, compounds or minerals are responsible for such an observation?”

Formulated based on the atmospheric chemistry of Venus, the team synthesized several iron-bearing sulfate minerals in an aqueous geochemistry laboratory in the Department of Earth Sciences.

By suspending the synthesized materials in varying concentrations of sulfuric acid and monitoring the chemical and mineralogical changes, the team reduced candidate minerals to rhomboclase and acidic ferric sulfate, whose spectroscopic characteristics They were examined under light sources specifically designed to mimic the spectrum of solar flares.

A Harvard photochemistry laboratory assisted in the research by providing measurements of the ultraviolet absorbance patterns of ferric iron under extreme acidic conditions, in an attempt to mimic even more extreme Venusian clouds. The scientists are part of the newly created Origins Federation, that promotes this type of collaborative projects.

“The patterns and level of absorption shown by the combination of these two mineral phases are consistent with the dark UV spots observed in the clouds of Venus,” said co-author Clancy Zhijian Jiang of Cambridge’s Department of Earth Sciences. “These specific experiments revealed the intricate chemical network within the atmosphere and shed light on the elemental cycle on the surface of Venus.”

“Venus is our closest neighbor, but it remains a mystery,” Rimmer said. “We will have the opportunity to learn much more about this planet in the coming years with future NASA and ESA missions scheduled to explore its atmosphere, clouds and surface. “This study sets the stage for these future explorations.”