Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of
our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief
explanation written by a professional astronomer. September 24,
1996 Explanation: If the thick clouds covering Venus were
removed, how would the surface appear? Using an imaging radar
technique, the Magellan spacecraft was able to lift the veil
from the Face of Venus and produce this spectacular high
resolution imageof the planet's surface. Red, in this false-
color map, represent mountains, while blue represents valleys
This 3-kilometer resolution map is a composite of Magellan
images compiled between 1990 and 1994. Gaps were filled in by
the Earth-based Arecibo Radio Telescope. The large yellow/red
area in the north is Ishtar Terra featuring Maxwell Montes, the
largest mountain on Venus. The large highland regions are
analogous to continents on Earth. Scientists are particularly
interested in exploring the geology of Venus because of its
similarity to Earth. Authors & editors: NASA Techni