Scientists believe that Venus once had oceans

Modern Venus, although similar to the Earth in size, is completely not suitable: thanks to the dense atmosphere, sulfuric acid rain and a temperature of +465 °C. But this was not always the case: new study from geophysicists from the University of Chicago (USA) showed that for several billion years there could be liquid water on the planet.

Without research missions to the planet, it is impossible to find out exactly something, but modeling the history of the atmosphere Venus showed that approximately 3 billion years ago the planet was probably covered with oceans - about the same as the Earth Now. This was possible because the Sun was less hot. But over time, it became brighter and warmed up Venus, causing the oceans to dry up and the atmosphere to become denser.

Of course, this is just a guess based on a simulation. There is no guarantee that Venus was ever habitable. In addition, there is still no answer to the question of where the oxygen from Venus has gone. The water evaporating from the surface should have left oxygen in the atmosphere, but it is negligible there.

There are theories that could explain the disappearance of oxygen. For example, it could bond with carbon dioxide from the volcanoes that cover Venus. However, scientists say that such an outcome is unlikely. It is also possible that the oxygen somehow leaked out of the atmosphere or was absorbed by oxidizing magma on the surface.

We will learn more about Venus in the next decade. In the summer of 2029, NASA going to run to the planet is the DAVINCI probe, which should reach Venus in 2031.