Cambridge researchers have managed to identify the mysterious component that could explain the spots and streaks in Venus’ clouds, which are only visible in the ultraviolet range.

From a new study published in Scientific progress, synthesized ferrous sulfate minerals that are stable in the harsh chemical conditions of Venus’ clouds. These clouds are mainly formed by droplets of sulfuric acid with some water, chlorine and iron.

The spectroscopic analysis revealed that a combination of two minerals, rhombic clase and acidic iron sulfate, may explain the mysterious UV absorption characteristic on our neighboring planet. Europe Press.

“The only available data on cloud composition was collected by probes, revealing strange cloud properties that we have not yet been able to fully explain.” said Paul Rimmer of the Cavendish Laboratory and co-author of the study.

“Specifically, the clouds of Venus, when examined under ultraviolet light, showed a specific ultraviolet absorption pattern. “What elements, compounds or minerals are responsible for such an observation?” he added.

Formulated from the atmospheric chemistry of Venus, the team synthesized several ferrous sulfate minerals in an aqueous geochemical laboratory at the Department of Earth Sciences.

By suspending the synthesized materials in varying concentrations of sulfuric acid and monitoring the chemical and mineralogical changesthe team refined the candidate minerals rhomboclase and acidic iron sulfate, whose spectroscopic properties were examined under light sources specifically designed to mimic the spectrum of solar flares.

A Harvard photochemical laboratory assisted in the research by making measurements of the ultraviolet absorption patterns of ferric iron under extremely acidic conditions, in an attempt to recreate even more extreme Venusian clouds. The scientists are part of the newly established Origins Federation, which promotes these types of collaborative projects.

“The patterns and absorption levels shown by the combination of these two mineral phases are consistent with the dark UV spots observed in the clouds of Venus,” said co-author Clancy Zhijian Jiang from the Cambridge Department of Earth Sciences. “These specific experiments revealed the intricate chemical network in the atmosphere and shed light on the elemental cycle on the surface of Venus.” he noted.

“Venus is our closest neighbor, but it remains a mystery,” Rimmer said. “We will have the opportunity to learn much more about this planet in the coming years with future NASA and ESA missions planned to explore its atmosphere, clouds and surface. “This study sets the stage for these future explorations.” (JO)