With acid clouds, a crushing atmosphere, and a volcanic surface, Venus might be the least hospitable place in our solar system. But, ironically, this hellish world may actually help us unlock the mystery of what makes a planet habitable, and NASA’s recently selected DAVINCI+ mission may be the key.
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From space rocks to the unorthodox, the scientific community has often refused to accept anecdotal reports of strange and rare events. However, a recent government report on military sightings of UFOs may help to bring credibility to a phenomenon long dismissed. But just because a phenomenon is bizarre and unexplained, that doesn’t mean it’s aliens. That strange light in the sky is probably just Venus.
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Boise State Physics
First Friday Astronomy
Friday, Jul 2 at 7:30p MT
Dr. Steve Swanson
Boise State Univ & NASA Astronaut Corps
Online lecture begins 7:30pm MT
http://boi.st/astrobroncoslive
Rivers of molten rock slither across the surface, sulfuric acid rains down, and all beneath an ocean of toxic carbon dioxide. The planet Venus, in contradiction to its namesake, is a hateful place, and though it is now a hellscape, Venus probably started out like Earth. Understanding how these sister planets diverged so radically is one focus of NASA’s recently selected VERITAS mission. As it turns out, Venus’ violent past may be Earth’s future.
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On May 26, most of the Americas and eastern Asia will be treated to a total lunar eclipse. While lunar eclipses are perhaps less spectacular than solar eclipses, they are more common and much easier to view.
I thought it might be helpful to provide a short primer on lunar eclipses in general and how, when, and where to view this one in particular for the Boise metro area. Most of what I say here will be relevant for other regions as well.
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