Research into the geological structure of Venus, known as Earth's twin, shows that the planet is much more active than previously thought. Experts who reanalyzed radar data from NASA's Magellan mission using advanced technologies discovered huge cavities stretching underground on the slopes of the giant Nyx Mons volcano. These structures, called “lava tubes,” are known as natural tunnels that form when the outer surface of the lava flowing during volcanic eruptions freezes and the hot lava inside flows out.
This discovery fundamentally shatters old theories that Venus is a geologically dead planet. This second lava tunnel, observed directly on another celestial body after the Moon and Mars, is considered the most concrete evidence that the planet is still active from within. Although Venus's scorching atmosphere and dense clouds make direct monitoring of the surface impossible, radar signals create subterranean maps and open the door to these secret channels for scientists.
New space missions like EnVision that will be conducted in the future will examine these volcanic traces in much more detail. Scientists want to determine the exact length and internal structure of these tunnels using radar systems that can penetrate hundreds of meters underground. These mysterious underground corridors have the potential to be natural shelters for robotic exploration vehicles sent to Venus in the future, where they can be protected from the planet's extreme heat.
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