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Does it rain on Venus?

Published in Venusian Weather 2 mins read

Yes, it does "rain" on Venus, but not in the way we experience rain on Earth.

Venusian Rain: A Different Kind of Precipitation

While Venus once might have had a lot of water like Earth, it's now a very dry and barren planet. When it "rains" on Venus, it doesn't rain water. Instead, the precipitation is primarily composed of sulfur and carbon dioxide. Furthermore, any water that might be present evaporates before it reaches the surface.

Key Differences From Earth Rain

Feature Earth Rain Venus Rain
Composition Primarily water Primarily sulfur and carbon dioxide
Surface Impact Reaches the ground Evaporates before reaching the ground
Conditions Mild to severe weather Harsh and extreme conditions

Key Points to Understand

  • No Liquid Water Rain: There is no liquid water rain reaching the surface of Venus.
  • Sulfur and Carbon Dioxide: The main "rain" components are sulfur and carbon dioxide.
  • Evaporation: Any water present in the upper atmosphere evaporates before reaching the ground.
  • Extreme Conditions: Venus is extremely hot and has a dense, toxic atmosphere.

Conclusion

So, while it does “rain” on Venus, it is not the typical water rain we are familiar with, and it doesn't reach the surface due to the extreme heat. Instead, it is mainly sulfur and carbon dioxide that evaporates before ever reaching the ground.

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