Venus Map : a Detailed Look at the Feature β

Abstract

RADAR studies of Venus have shown the existence of relatively permanent topographic prominences on its surface. These features rotate with the planet and return to radar view year after year. Because of the peculiar rotation period of Venus, the same features return very nearly to the same apparent position at the time of closest approach. The feature known as β is the “brightest” and hence most favourable to observe at these times. Several other features are brighter, but are on the other side of the disk and are not presented to view until the radar range is much larger.