Researchers analysed two sets of data from radar images taken in 1990 and 1992, and found changes on the planet’s surface which were likely caused by fresh lava flows.

While researchers have known for some time that Venus was volcanically active as recently as 2.5 million years ago, this new evidence supports the idea that volcanic activity on Venus is still widespread.

Davide Sulcanese and colleagues analysed the two sets of radar telemetry from the Magellan missions to look for evidence of volcanic activity. They found surface changes that could indicate volcanism in two areas where volcanic-related features are present, located on the western flank of Sif Mons and in western Niobe Planitia. After analysing the various possible sources, Sulcanese and colleagues suggest that these variations were likely caused by fresh lava flows.