Instagram: The Electric Wind of Venus

  • Released Monday, June 20, 2016
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In many ways, Venus is the most similar planet to Earth. Not only are its size and gravity comparable to Earth’s, but there’s evidence that Venus once had lots of water – oceans’ worth! – in the distant past. So what happened?

New NASA-funded research using data from ESA’s Venus Express reveal that it may have been Venus’ electric field that stripped the planet of water. Venus’ electric field is about 5-10 times stronger than Earth’s. That electric force is enough to rip particles – including the building blocks of water – out of Venus’ atmosphere. Over time, this “electric wind” could leave a watery planet bone-dry, making it a key factor in whether or not a planet is hospitable to life. Understanding this process will help scientists pinpoint where potentially habitable planets could be lurking around other stars.

"Electric Wind" can strip Earth-like planets of oceans and atmospheres.

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Watch this video on the NASA Goddard Instagram.

For More Information

See http://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2016/electric-wind-can-strip-earth-like-planets-of-oceans-atmospheres

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NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

This page was originally published on Monday, June 20, 2016.
This page was last updated on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 1:48 PM EDT.

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