Earth-Based Observations

Many discoveries about Venus have been made using Earth-based radio telescopes, which can transmit powerful radar signals and detect the weak echoes reflected from the planet's surface.

Arecibo Observatory, Puerto Rico

At 300 meters (1,000 feet) across, Arecibo is the world's largest radio "dish." Smaller radio telescopes, such as the Goldstone Solar System Radar in California, have also been used to map Venus. Courtesy of David Parker, Science Photo Library

[127k JPEG] © Dave Parker 1997, courtesy Science Photo Library

[46k JPEG]

Map of Venus This map was produced in 1988 by the Arecibo radio telescope. Features as small as 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) across are visible. Courtesy of D. B. Campbell, Cornell University

Green Bank Telescope (GBT)

The new Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope became operational in August 2000. It has been used in conjunction with Arecibo to produce more detailed Earth-based images of Venus than ever before.

[32k JPEG] Image courtesy of NRAO/AUI

Earth-based Observations || Seeing Through The Clouds || Volcanism || Craters
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