Reanalysis of NASA Magellan radar data from the 1990s identifies a vast subterranean conduit beneath Venus's Nyx Mons, interpreted as an empty lava tube and the first subsurface cavity detected on the planet. The discovery reframes Venusian volcanic processes and informs future mission targets.
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Briefing
Reanalysis of 1990s Magellan radar data has produced the first-ever detection of a subsurface cavity on Venus — a large lava tube beneath Nyx Mons — giving direct evidence that volcanic conduits operate at scales similar to other rocky planets.
The feature creates a specific, scientifically valuable target for future orbital and landed missions and links Venus exploration to broader subsurface studies, including recent work on Martian skylights and ice ([source:b549a357-daa6-4ebd-b70e-b866ec9eef83]).
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Radar evidence suggests a massive lava tube beneath Venus • Science Daily
Florida-launched spacecraft helps make this new find on Venus • Florida Today
Reuters
• Will Dunham
Venus radar study reveals vast underground lava cave • Space Daily
Archival Magellan Radar Reveals Possible Massive Lava Tube Beneath Venus • cavenewstimes.com