Did You Know?

Scientists have confirmed that the planet Venus experiences a rare phenomenon often described as “metal snow.”

Unlike the frozen water snow found on Earth, this unusual process involves metallic frost forming on Venus’ mountain peaks due to extreme atmospheric conditions.

Researchers say the discovery helps explain the strange reflective surfaces seen on some of the planet’s highest regions.

The phenomenon occurs in the planet’s scorching environment, where temperatures near the surface can reach about 465°C (869°F).

Under such intense heat, certain metals and minerals—particularly lead and bismuth compounds—vaporize into the thick atmosphere.

As these vapours rise and encounter slightly cooler temperatures at higher elevations, they condense and fall back onto the mountain tops as metallic frost or “snow.”

Experts studying Venus believe this process mainly happens on elevated regions such as the Maxwell Montes mountain range, the highest mountain system on the planet.

Observations from past spacecraft missions revealed that these peaks appear unusually bright on radar images, leading scientists to investigate what might be coating them.

Now, you know.

National News