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Chapter 11: Problem 17

Why was it difficult to determine Venus's surface temperature from Earth? How was this finally determined?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The thick cloud cover of Venus made Earth-based observations of its surface temperature difficult. This was finally determined using radio telescopes and radar signaling, with further confirmatory data from spacecraft missions.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the challenge

The primary reason it was difficult to measure the surface temperature of Venus from Earth is because of Venus's thick cloud cover. These clouds, composed mainly of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid, reflect about 70% of the sunlight that hits them, making the observation of the surface challenging.
02

Overcoming the challenge

Observations made by radio telescopes and the use of radar signals formed the basis for measuring Venus's temperature despite its thick clouds. The radar waves can penetrate the dense atmosphere of Venus and bounce back to Earth with information about Venus's surface temperature. Scientists could then interpret these signals to determine the planet's temperature.
03

Final understanding

Over the past few decades, multiple spacecraft missions have been launched by NASA and other space organizations, with instruments capable of measuring Venus's surface temperature more accurately. These missions have further confirmed what was initially identified by radio telescope and radar signal observations.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Just as Mercury can pass in front of the Sun as seen from Earth (see Question 45), so can Venus. Transits of Venus are quite rare. The dates of the only transits in the twenty-first century are June 8,2004 , and June 6,2012 ; the next ones will occur in 2117 and 2125 , A number of European astronomers traveled to Asia and the Pacific islands to observe the transits of Venus in 1761 and 1769 . Search the World Wide Web for information about these expeditions. Why were these events of such interest to astronomers? How definitive were the results of these observations?

Were the Viking Landers able to determine whether life currently exists on Mars or whether it once existed there? Why or why not?

Why is it best to view Mars near opposition? Why are some oppositions better than others?

a) What is a runaway greenhouse effect? (b) What is a runaway icehouse effect?

What is the Martian crustal dichotomy? What is the evidence that the southern highlands are older than the northern lowlands?
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