Unlocking Venusian Cloud Mysteries: New Study Reveals Composition of Elusive Component

New Study Reveals Composition of Mysterious Component in Venusian Clouds

The clouds enveloping Venus have long been known to consist mainly of sulfuric acid droplets, accompanied by varying concentrations of water, chlorine, and iron. Yet, the elusive missing component contributing to the clouds’ distinctive patches and streaks has remained unidentified. In a recent publication in Science Advances, researchers from the University of Cambridge addressed this mystery by synthesizing iron-bearing sulfate minerals, specifically rhomboclase and acid ferric sulfate, to account for the enigmatic UV absorption pattern observed in Venusian clouds. This breakthrough sheds light on the complex chemistry within Venus’s atmosphere and provides valuable insights for upcoming exploration missions by NASA and ESA.