Oxygen Discovered in Venus' Atmosphere: A Surprising Find

Astrophysicists have observed atomic oxygen on Venus' dayside, confirming the presence of the crucial element on both sides of the planet. About 96% of Venus' atmosphere is composed of carbon dioxide, with minimal oxygen. The oxygen was detected at an altitude of 62 miles above the planet's surface, sandwiched between sulfuric acid clouds and strong winds. It is believed that the oxygen is formed through the breakdown of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide molecules by solar UV radiation and transported to the dark side of Venus by upper atmospheric winds. This discovery contributes to our understanding of Venus' evolution and its differences from Earth.