This Photo of Venus Shocked Scientists. Here’s Why. – Futurism

The photo is part of a surprising twist involving a probe's camera. Fly By Photograph

NASAs Parker Solar Probe got the souvenir of a lifetime during its trip to study the Sun last year.

The probe snapped this stunning photo of Venus on July 11, 2020, according to NASA. The photo showcases amazing details of the Venusian surface from 7,693 miles awaybutone particular detail in it, released by NASA this week, has scientists excited.

The probe used its onboard Wide-field Imager (WISPR) to capture the photo. Though the instrument was designed to capture images of the suns corona, NASA was also able to use it to capture thermal information about the planetsomething they didnt know the instrument could do.

WISPR is tailored and tested for visible light observations, explains Angelos Vourlidas, WISPR project scientist from Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. We expected to see clouds, but the camera peered right through the surface.

In the center of the planet, you can see a dark area identified as Aphrodite Terra, which is the largest highland area on Venus. The reason its darker is because its 85 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the surrounding area. That indicates that WISPR is able to capture thermal data along with light data.

Either way, some exciting science opportunities await us, Vourlidas adds.

Though the probes photo was a welcome surprise to researchers, Parkers actual goal is to study the Sun. Thats why its speeding by Venus for a gravity assist seven times, as part of its seven-year mission.

The above photo was taken during its third fly-by of the planet. The probe more recently passed by Venus on February 20 on its next approach to the Sun.

Maybe a year from now well get another mind-blowing photo of the Venusian surface. For now, well just have to settle for all the insane images from Mars Perseverance in the meantime.

READ MORE: Parker Solar Probe Offers Stunning View of Venus [NASA]

More on Venus: MIT Scientists Suggest LIfe Could Thrive in the Clouds of Venus

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This Photo of Venus Shocked Scientists. Here's Why. - Futurism