Magellan Archives - Astrobiology

Top Panel: Absorption cross sections for a temperature of 650K and pressure of 1 bar used in the retrieval analysis from Hood et al. (2024). Bottom Panel: The complete SED for 2MASS J0415−0935 with an inset showing the 9 - 15 µm region. Prominent absorption features are labeled including a tentative CO2 feature between 14 - 16 µm. -- astro-ph.SR

Astronomy & Telescopes, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Brown Dwarfs, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Gas Giants, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report

Diversity of Cold Worlds: A Near Complete Spectral Energy Distribution for 2MASS J04151954-0935066 using JWST

by Keith CowingJune 2, 2025June 2, 2025

We present the a near complete spectral energy distribution (SED) for an extrasolar world: the T8 brown dwarf 2MASS~J04151954−0935066. Spanning from optical to mid-infrared (0.7–20.4 micron) wavelengths, the SED for […]

This artist’s concept of the large Quetzalpetlatl Corona located in Venus’ southern hemisphere depicts active volcanism and a subduction zone, where the foreground crust plunges into the planet’s interior. A new study suggests coronae are the locations of several types of tectonic activity. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Peter Rubin

Astrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Lava / magma ocean / Volcanic Worlds, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Venus

Lava World Recon: Possible Tectonic Activity On Venus

by Keith CowingMay 16, 2025May 16, 2025

Using archival data from the mission, launched in 1989, researchers have uncovered new evidence that tectonic activity may be deforming the planet’s surface.

This computer-generated 3D model of Venus’ surface shows the volcano Sif Mons, which is exhibiting signs of ongoing activity. Using data from NASA’s Magellan mission, Italian researchers detected evidence of an eruption while the spacecraft orbited the planet in the early 1990s. Credit: NASA/JPL

Astrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Lava / magma ocean / Volcanic Worlds, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Missions & Hardware, Status Report, Venus

Ongoing Venus Volcanic Activity Discovered With NASA’s Magellan Data

by Keith CowingMay 31, 2024May 31, 2024

Direct geological evidence of recent volcanic activity on Venus has been observed for a second time. Scientists in Italy analyzed archival data from NASA’s Magellan mission to reveal surface changes […]

An example of the DLR airborne radar data shows elevation change of several tens of yards around the volcanically active Litli-Hrútur volcano caused by the creation of new rock. The red indicates the most change; blue, the least. Credits: DLR

Astrogeology, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Exploration Gear & Tech, Lava / magma ocean / Volcanic Worlds, Status Report, Venus

Lava World Away Team Practice: NASA’s VERITAS Science Team Studies Volcanic Iceland

by Keith CowingMay 18, 2024May 18, 2024

With its crushing atmospheric pressure, clouds of sulfuric acid, and searing surface temperature, Venus is an especially challenging place to study. But scientists know that observing its surface can provide […]

EnVIsion -- ESA

Astrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Missions & Hardware, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release, Terraforming & Geoengineering, Venus

ESA Approves EnVision Mission To Venus – The Closest Planet To Earth

by Keith CowingJanuary 30, 2024January 30, 2024

ESA’s next mission to Venus was officially ‘adopted’ today by the Agency’s Science Programme Committee. EnVision will study Venus from its inner core to its outer atmosphere, giving important new […]

synergies

Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report, Venus

Synergies Between Venus And Exoplanetary Observations

by Keith CowingFebruary 14, 2023February 14, 2023

In this chapter we examine how our knowledge of present day Venus can inform terrestrial exoplanetary science and how exoplanetary science can inform our study of Venus. In a superficial […]