These images are composites of the complete radar image collection obtained by the Magellan mission. The Magellan spacecraft was launched in May 1989 and began mapping the surface of Venus in September 1990. The spacecraft continued to orbit Venus for four years, returning high-resolution images, altimetry, thermal emissions and gravity maps of 98 percent of the surface. The surface of Venus is displayed in these five global views.
Simulated color is used to enhance small-scale structure.
The simulated hues are based on color images recorded by the Soviet Venera 13 and 14 spacecraft. The scattered dark patches in this image are halos surrounding some of the younger impact craters. Based on the random distribution of impact craters and the limited number of tectonized or volcanically flooded craters on Venus, it has been proposed that Venus experienced a catastrophic resurfacing event 300-500 million years ago. In this a model, there has been little subsequent volcanic and tectonic activity, with the surface acting primarily as a passive accumulator of impact craters. This global data set reveals a number of craters consistent with an average Venus surface age of 300 million to 500 million years.