Venus

This new and beautifully illustrated account of Venus takes in the most recent research into this mysterious, inhospitable world and seeks to answer questions such as why Venus and Earth evolved in different directions and how Venus acquired its dense carbon-dioxide atmosphere. It also assesses whether life might have escaped from the surface's oven-like temperatures and evolved to become perpetually airborne.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Reaktion Books

This captivating and meticulously illustrated book delves into the latest research on the enigmatic and inhospitable world of Venus. Examining the historical trajectory of our observations of this celestial body, spanning from ancient astronomy to upcoming space missions, it aims to unravel numerous mysteries that still persist, including the reasons behind Venus and Earth's divergent evolutionary paths, as well as the origin of its dense carbon-dioxide atmosphere. Moreover, the book explores the intriguing possibility of life emerging from the scorching temperatures at the surface and evolving to become perpetually airborne, potentially reviving the notion that Venus is not devoid of life after all.

Introduction:
Venus, the second planet from the Sun, has captivated the human imagination for centuries. Its proximity to Earth, similar size, and mass have led to many questions about its origins, evolution, and potential for hosting life. This book aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date account of Venus, incorporating the latest research and insights from scientists around the world.

Historical Observations:
Early astronomers observed Venus through telescopes, and their observations laid the foundation for our understanding of the planet. However, many mysteries remained unanswered, such as why Venus and Earth, despite their similarities in size and mass, evolved in such different directions. The book explores the historical development of our understanding of Venus, including the contributions of famous astronomers such as Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton.

Evolutionary Path:
One of the key questions surrounding Venus is its evolutionary path. Unlike Earth, Venus experienced a runaway greenhouse effect, leading to extreme temperatures and a dense carbon-dioxide atmosphere. The book examines the mechanisms that caused Venus to evolve in this way, including the role of volcanic activity and the impact of solar radiation. It also explores the potential for life to exist in such extreme conditions, including the possibility of microbial life in the planet's thick atmosphere.

Dense Carbon-Dioxide Atmosphere:
Venus's dense carbon-dioxide atmosphere is one of its most distinctive features. It traps heat and contributes to the planet's extreme temperatures, which range from over 400°C to 700°C at the surface. The book discusses the composition of Venus's atmosphere, including the presence of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide, and the impact of these gases on the planet's climate and weather.

Potential for Life:
Despite the inhospitable conditions on Venus, there is still hope for the possibility of life. The book explores the latest research on the planet's surface conditions, including the presence of water vapor in the atmosphere and the potential for microbial life to exist in the planet's deep underground. It also examines the potential for life to evolve in the planet's atmosphere, including the possibility of flying organisms or organisms that can adapt to high-temperature environments.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful account of Venus, from its historical observations to its evolutionary path, dense carbon-dioxide atmosphere, and potential for life. It sheds light on the mysteries that have captivated scientists for centuries and offers hope for the future exploration of this enigmatic planet. As we continue to advance our understanding of Venus, we may one day discover the secrets that lie within its scorching surface and breathe new life into our understanding of the universe.

Dimension: 220 x 171 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789145854