Master's proposal - Venus atmospheric research – significant yet unanswered questions

Venus has been dubbed Earth’s ‘evil twin’. Looking closer, the underlying depth of science behind this odd nomenclature becomes clearer. Ruthless temperatures and pressure conditions on the surface characterize the planet’s unforgiving nature, while similar structure and genesis establish kinship between the closest neighbours in the Solar system. In spite of this enigmatic combination, of a resemblance mixed with stark differences, the level of research in recent years has not done justice to the scientific potential.

Comparison of the current states of the Venusian, Earth and Martian atmospheres shows the extraordinary divergence in evolution of similar terrestrial planets under slightly varying initial conditions. Venus, subjected to warmer conditions early in planetary evolution, is believed to have evaporated all the water and creating a greenhouse environment, which resulted in increased temperatures and baking of carbon dioxide out of rocks, which in turn amplified the greenhouse environment. Earth atmosphere underwent some greenhouse effects but biotic life and presence of liquid water helped dissolve excess carbon dioxide, thus creating a delicate yet essential balance for life to evolve. The Martian atmosphere, on the other hand, may have experienced little greenhouse effects and the carbon dioxide dissolved in the soil and the water froze from the cold temperatures. Such vast differences amongst adjacent planets stress the importance of simultaneous research efforts in this regard and negligence of Venusian research will invariably paint an incomplete picture.