Latest news with #PaulByrne
Scientific American
14-05-2025
- Science
- Scientific American
Venus Isn't (Geologically) Dead
Earth's geology is downright vital. Here, giant 'plates' of the crust rift apart and smash together like pieces of an ever changing planetary jigsaw puzzle. Mountains rise, volcanoes spew, and Earth itself quakes as the crust constantly remakes itself in the ceaseless cycle of plate tectonics. This is a process that controls the flow of carbon through our planet and stabilizes its climate; were it not for plate tectonics, Earth might not be habitable at all. No other rocky world in our solar system has anything approaching Earth's degree of geological activity. At least, that's what scientists used to think. Mercury, Mars and the moon appear essentially inert. But Venus, our closest neighbor and the only other large rocky world around the sun, is now starting to look far livelier than once thought. A fresh look at decades-old data from NASA's Magellan probe has found evidence of active tectonics—around dozens of circular volcanic features called coronae—on Venus today. The finding, published on Wednesday in Science Advances, provides some of the best evidence to date that Venus isn't dead—at least, not when it comes to tectonics. 'Venus works differently than the Earth but not as different as what was originally assumed,' says the study's co-lead author Anna Gülcher of the University of Bern in Switzerland. 'We should think of tectonics as not just a black-and-white picture.' On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. 'Questions as fundamental as 'Is Venus alive today?' are extremely hard to answer,' says planetary scientist Paul Byrne of the University of Washington in St. Louis, who wasn't involved in the study. This new evidence of geological activity around the coronae suggests 'the heart of Venus still beats today. I think that's extremely invaluable for us to understand the big, rocky world next door.' Venus is called ' Earth's evil twin ' for good reason: the planet is almost exactly as large as the Earth and is made of roughly the same stuff. But while Earth is a verdant water world, Venus is a scorched hellscape with temperatures hot enough to melt lead, a dreary, permanently overcast sky and air so thick that it crushes spacecraft as if they were tin cans. For a while, Venus was widely assumed to be just as dead on the inside as it is on the outside. Lacking any obvious plate tectonics—which can help release a world's internal heat—Venus's interior was thought to instead just simmer like the contents of a tight-lidded pot on a stove. According to one popular hypothesis, the pot had eventually boiled over: after eons of frustrated heating, some 800 million years ago, the planet's outer shell buckled, and Venus's entire surface was paved over with immense outpourings of fresh lava. And, the thinking went, with all that heat dissipated, the planet's geology basically shut down. But evidence is mounting that Venus is, geologically at least, still kicking. Most notably, in 2023 two researchers scrutinizing 30-year-old Magellan data realized that the probe had caught a volcanic eruption in the act: radar images of the volcano Maat Mons that were taken months apart showed what looked like a caldera collapse and subsequent lava flow. Venus, it seems, still has active volcanoes. Some researchers now think it could have active tectonics, too. And in 2020 Gülcher and her colleagues showed via simulations of Venusian tectonics that the planet's mysterious, ring-shaped coronae could be a good place to look for such activity. Tectonics refers to the processes that deform a rocky planet's brittle outer shell. On Earth, this outer shell—the lithosphere, which includes the crust and part of the upper mantle—is broken into tectonic plates that drift over the hot, plastic mantle. When two plates collide, one of them can slide below the other and dive down into the mantle in a process called subduction. On Earth, subducting plates start melting as they sink, feeding volcanoes along plate boundaries. Such volcanoes include Japan's Mount Fuji and western North America's Cascade Range. Unlike Earth, Venus doesn't have global plate tectonics. The new study suggests, however, that around coronae, something quite similar to subduction could be happening. Gülcher and her colleagues simulated several tectonic processes that might be occurring around coronae and compared their predictions to real observations collected by the Magellan probe 30 years ago. The comparisons were more than skin-deep: the researchers used gravity data to take a peek underground. Hot rock is generally less dense than cold rock, and these density variations from place to place can correspondingly alter the strength of a planet's gravitational field. So Magellan's spatial mapping of Venus's gravity can 'see' if there's hot, light material under a corona—a sign that rock is actively rising up from the mantle below. Of the 75 coronae that the team could resolve in Magellan's gravitational maps, 52 seem to be geologically active. The predicted and real data lined up so well for some coronae that 'we could hardly believe our eyes,' says the study's other co-lead author Gael Cascioli of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Most of the active coronae were encircled by trenches, a hint that old crust dives into Venus's mantle around these rocky rings, where it is driven downward as buoyant rock rises from below in the middle of each corona's ring structure. 'Basically, if something goes down, something goes up,' Gülcher says. Where the lithosphere is softer and more pliable, bits of it could break off and 'drip' down into the mantle in globs. In places where the lithosphere is stiffer, entire slabs of crust could subduct in a small-scale, circular mirror of Earth's subduction zones, like those that form the Pacific Ocean's famed volcanic Ring of Fire. Working with 30-year-old data comes with an obvious limitation: the data quality often isn't very good compared with newer observations. The new study's researchers did well with what they had, Byrne says. But NASA's upcoming VERITAS (Venus Emissivity, Radio Science, InSAR, Topography, and Spectroscopy) mission could do much better—and the team predicted exactly how much better in the paper. 'The improvement would be extraordinary,' Cascioli says. Instead of being limited to analyzing 75 coronae, VERITAS's gravity dataset should allow scientists to examine hundreds of the strange ring-shaped features. For the foreseeable future, Venus is the only other large, rocky world that we or our robotic emissaries will ever reach. Understanding why Earth and Venus ended up so different despite having so much in common helps us understand our own planet—and whether the rocky worlds we're beginning to glimpse around other stars are more like Earth or instead resemble its evil twin. 'Venus is the world that we probably understand least,' Byrne says. 'Yet it's the one, arguably, I think, that's the most important.'
BreakingNews.ie
14-05-2025
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
New hospital in Valencia to treat Irish patients awaiting surgical procedures
A new hospital in Valencia will be able to treat Irish patients awaiting surgical procedures under the EU Cross Border Directive. Vithas Valencia Turia Hospital will deliver thousands of life-changing procedures each year in partnership with Healthcare Abroad. Advertisement The agreement marks the next step in expanding treatment options for Irish patients under the EU Cross Border Healthcare Directive, through a major partnership between Healthcare Abroad, Ireland's leading cross-border healthcare provider, and the Vithas Hospital Group. Under the EU Cross Border Directive, all Irish residents can receive treatment in EU hospitals with treatment costs, including consultation and physiotherapy, reimbursed by the HSE. The Vithas Valencia Turia Hospital is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility with 95 beds, including 64 private rooms, 8 operating theatres, and seven intensive care units and will deliver a wide range of planned orthopaedic surgeries, including hip and knee replacements, and is expected to treat up to 1,000 Irish patients annually. The announcement comes as new research, commissioned by Healthcare Abroad reveals 1 in 5 patients (20 per cent) in the Irish public healthcare system have missed out on key life events, including weddings and family milestones, due to delays receiving treatment, and almost one third (30 per cent) have considered going abroad to access medical care. Advertisement Speaking about the news, Paul Byrne, chief operations officer at Healthcare Abroad said: 'The opening of Vithas Valencia Turia Hospital marks a major step forward in improving timely access to surgical care for Irish patients who are facing long waiting times in Ireland. 'It allows them to access timely, high-quality treatment in a world-class facility, while still within the Irish public healthcare framework through the EU Cross Border Directive.' Healthcare Abroad works with a network of 86 internationally accredited private hospitals across the EU, facilitating access for Irish patients to nearly all publicly available treatments in Ireland. The company works directly with patients, doctors, and the HSE to ensure the process is transparent and well-supported from start to finish. To date, Healthcare Abroad has facilitated over 2,500 patients under the EU Cross Border Directive. Advertisement Ireland Gardaí condemn social media 'misinformation' about... Read More 'This is about giving Irish patients a real and supported alternative, without having to wait in pain,' Byrne added. 'With Healthcare Abroad guiding patients from GP referral to aftercare, the experience is as safe, familiar, and seamless as possible.' While patients are responsible for covering their flights and accommodation, the cost of procedures, including consultations and physiotherapy, is reimbursed by the HSE, making this a cost-effective and accessible solution for thousands of patients across Ireland. Credit Unions across Ireland have been highly supportive of the initiative, offering flexible financing options to cover procedure costs upfront until HSE reimbursement is granted. For more information or to schedule a consultation you can visit here.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
12-05-2025
- Science
- Business Standard
Earth's 'twin' planet was more active than we thought
Venus, which was long believed to be barren, was once geologically active, reveal Nasa's researchers. Scientists used decades-old radar data to discover tectonic activity on Venus, suggesting it was an active planet. These latest findings revise Venus' conceptualisation and revive the reinterpretation of Earth's geological processes, and open a new perspective towards planetary evolution as well as on what is needed to sustain habitabilit. NASA reveals tectonic activity on Venus' surface Venus was believed to have a solid, immobile crust and lacked any internal activity for decades. It has a dense carbon dioxide atmosphere and hot temperatures, and the motionless scene seemed to be serene. Nasa's latest research has changed the idea. The study suggests that Venus' surface could actually be remoulding itself, similar to how Earth's crust remoulds through tectonic activity. The latest research is based on the re-examination of images captured by NASA's Magellan spacecraft in the 1990s. The team of researchers used advanced computer modelling techniques and enhanced image analysis programs, which scientists used to compare Venus' ancient surface characteristics, and discovered some surprising signs of movement. The images show that the parts of Venus' surface appeared to be fragmented into enormous crustal blocks, which shift and rotate relative to each other, as ice floes drift on the ocean. It suggests a mobile crust and mantle convection beneath, which means that Venus retains internal heat and is dynamically active to this day. What is 'Flake Tectonics'? Venus's crust is composed of weaker and smaller pieces similar to flakes on a soft, churning mantle, which scientists call "flake tectonics." Driven by internal heat, the flakes slowly move and reprocess the surface over time. However, the process differs from Earth's plate tectonics, implying that Venus does have a geologically active interior. Lead author Paul Byrne said, "This tells us that Venus is not a dead planet. It's actually doing things." Why now? The study used old data from the Magellan mission, but researchers were able to see things they had missed before using new computer models and techniques. The researchers used old data and saw things which were missed before using computer models and techniques. The timing of the findings holds important significance as Nasa is planning two new missions to Venus – VERITAS and DAVINCI are both expected to launch in the next decade. Findings make way for new doubts This latest finding, shifting crust, opens new questions about how rocky planets work and shows how similar, different they are from Earth. As Nasa is gearing up for the new missions, these findings could be the beginning of a wholesome understanding of our closest planetary neighbour.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
NASA reveals Earth's ‘twin' planet is more active than we thought
In a landmark discovery, NASA researchers have revealed data indicating that Venus, long believed to be a barren, hot desert planet, might indeed be geologically active. The new discovery overturns long-standing theories about the surface of the planet and its inactivity with respect to tectonic motion. Using advanced modeling techniques, scientists re-examined decades-old radar data to discover signs of tectonic activity on Venus , suggesting an active planet. This find not only revises our conceptualization of Venus but also revives a reinterpretation of the Earth's geological processes, yielding fresh perspectives toward planetary evolution as well as on what is needed to sustain habitability. NASA study reveals evidence of tectonic activity on Venus' surface For decades, Venus was believed to have a solid, immobile crust without any internal activity. Her surface, charred by a dense carbon dioxide atmosphere and hot temperatures, seemed to be a serene, motionless scene. But NASA researchers have turned that idea on its head with new research. The study suggests that the surface of Venus could actually be re-molding itself—similar to how Earth's crust is re-molded through tectonic activity. The findings result from careful re-examination of radar images captured by NASA's Magellan spacecraft in the 1990s. By utilizing advanced computer modeling techniques and enhanced image analysis programs, scientists compared Venus' ancient surface characteristics and discovered surprising signs of movement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo The pictures revealed that parts of Venus's surface appear to be fragmented into enormous crustal blocks. These blocks shift and rotate relative to each other—as ice floes drift on the ocean. This floating indicates a mobile crust and suggests mantle convection beneath, i.e., Venus retains internal heat and is dynamically active to this day. What is 'flake tectonics' As opposed to Earth, with its gigantic, stiff tectonic plates, Venus may experience what scientists call "flake tectonics." Here, the crust is composed of weaker, smaller pieces, reminiscent of flakes on a soft, churning mantle. Driven by internal heat, the flakes slowly move and reprocess the surface over time. Though this process differs from Earth's plate tectonics, it still implies that Venus does have a geologically active interior. Lead study author Paul Byrne emphasizes, "This tells us that Venus is not a dead planet. It's actually doing things." Venus' tectonic activity provides insights Into Earth's habitability Earth's tectonic activity is implicated in governing the climate of the planet and recycling essential elements through volcanic and subduction processes. Venus, hitherto, was thought to have no such internal movement that accounts for its very harsh surface conditions. The finding of movement on Venus changes that narrative. It suggests that Venus may be more geologically active than previously believed and may help scientists understand why Earth became a habitable planet and Venus did not. Decades-old radar data reveal new insights into Venus' geology and Earth's future This discovery was made not with new spacecraft, but by re-analyzing decades of radar data with sophisticated computer modeling techniques. Improved image processing allowed scientists to detect features that had gone undetected for decades. These findings follow in the wake of NASA developing two major missions to Venus: VERITAS (Venus Emissivity, Radio Science, InSAR, Topography, and Spectroscopy) and DAVINCI (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging). These missions will launch sometime in the near future and aim at bringing to us the complete understanding of the planet's geology and atmosphere. Understanding the dynamic development of Venus not only expands our understanding of this neighbor planet but also offers valuable context for gaining insight into the history of Earth. Researchers hope that this research will: Broaden the understanding of how the rocky planets develop and change over time. Enlighten us as to why Venus, although the same size and composition as Earth, developed so differently. Offer predictive insight into Earth's future geological fate over extended time frames. The discovery of a mobile crust on Venus raises basic questions regarding the functioning of terrestrial planets and might change the way we search for life and habitability in the rest of the universe. Also Read | World's largest telescope rises in Chile, set to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos
Economic Times
11-05-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
Earth's ‘twin' is not dead but very much ‘alive'; NASA's latest discovery explained
NASA's recent analysis of Magellan spacecraft data suggests Venus may possess a dynamic surface, challenging the long-held belief of a static crust. Evidence indicates the presence of 'flake tectonics,' where crustal blocks shift due to mantle activity. This discovery, coupled with upcoming missions like VERITAS and DAVINCI, could revolutionize our understanding of rocky planet evolution and Earth's future. In this recent study its found out that Venus's surface could be alive with movement, with chunks of crust slowly shifting and reshaping the planet. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What did NASA find? Some parts of Venus's crust appear to be broken into blocks, These blocks seem to move and shift like ice floes floating on water. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why is this important? What is 'Flake Tectonics'? Why now? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads VERITAS and DAVINCI are both expected to launch in the next decade. These missions could confirm if Venus is really as active as it now seems. What does this mean for us? Learn how rocky planets evolve. Understand why Earth became habitable and Venus did not. And predict what could happen to Earth in the distant future. In a breakthrough that could change how we see our 'twin' planet, NASA has discovered that Venus may not be the hot, dead world we thought it was. Instead, its surface could be alive with movement, with chunks of crust slowly shifting and reshaping the planet, similar to Earth's underground activity. It suggests the planet is still geologically decades, scientists believed Venus had a solid, motionless crust — but this new study paints a different scientists studied radar images of Venus taken by the Magellan spacecraft in the 1990s. By comparing surface features, they noticed something surprising:This movement is a sign of mantle activity underneath the surface, which means Venus may still have a warm, churning has moving tectonic plates, which help regulate its temperature and recycle materials. Venus was thought to lack such activity, making it more like a stagnant, overheated these new findings suggest that Venus's crust is not static. The surface may be slowly reshaping itself over time, a process called 'flake tectonics.'Paul Byrne, the study's lead author, says, 'This tells us that Venus is not a dead planet. It's actually doing things.'Venus may have smaller, weaker crustal blocks than Earth's large tectonic plates. These float and shift because of heat from the mantle pushing type of surface behavior is different from Earth's plate tectonics but still suggests internal geological study used old data from the Magellan mission, but researchers were able to see things they had missed before using new computer models and findings come at the perfect time — NASA is planning two new missions to Venus:Understanding Venus's crust can help scientists:The discovery of a shifting crust opens new questions about how rocky planets work — and how similar, or different, they are from Earth. As NASA gears up for new missions like VERITAS and DAVINCI to explore Venus more closely, this finding could be just the beginning of a wholesome understanding of our closest planetary neighbor.
