This image shows a close-up view of the strange double-vortex in the atmosphere of Venus above the planet's South Pole. The image is an infrared view; warm areas are brighter. The "eyes" of the double vortex are towards the right and left sides of this image, near either end of the sideways "S-shaped" structure. This image was captured by the European Space Agency's (ESA) Venus Express spacecraft on May 29, 2006.
Image courtesy of ESA/VIRTIS/INAF-IASF/Obs. de Paris-LESIA.

This picture shows a double vortex in the atmosphere of Venus. A vortex is a swirling, circular movement of air and clouds... like in a tornado or hurricane. Venus has two vortices above the South Pole, and two more above the North Pole. This picture shows the ones at the South Pole.
Image courtesy of ESA/VIRTIS/INAF-IASF/Obs. de Paris-LESIA.

This picture shows a double vortex in the atmosphere of Venus. A vortex is a swirling, circular movement of air and clouds... like in a tornado or hurricane. Venus has two vortices above the South Pole, and two more above the North Pole. This picture shows the ones at the South Pole.
Image courtesy of ESA/VIRTIS/INAF-IASF/Obs. de Paris-LESIA.

The source of this material is Windows to the Universe, at http://www.windows.ucar.edu/ at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). ©1995-1999, 2000 The Regents of the University of Michigan; ©2000-05 University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. All Rights Reserved. Site policies and disclaimer