The large highland regions are analogous to continents on Earth. Scientists are particularly interested in exploring the geology of Venus because of its similarity to Earth. NASA Low Res. 72 dpi - 57K Data from the Magellan spacecraft have shown the face of Venus to contain a host of volcanic features. This image shows an example of a fairly common type of Venusian volcanic feature.
Scientists are particularly interested in exploring the geology of Venus.
Because of its similarity to the Earth in size, density, and overall location in the solar system, Venus may offer key insights into the workings of our own planet. Detailed radar mapping of the planet by the Magellan probe is helping to answer this question. 72 dpi - 37K Med. 150 dpi - 102K Color information from the Soviet Venera landers and radar data from the Magellan spacecraft were used to construct this striking perspective of the Venusian landscape. In the foreground is the edge of a rift valley created by faulting in the crust of Venus.