This open access, topical Space Science Reviews collection is the first of its kind on Venus science since the new fleet of Venus missions was selected by ESA and NASA in 2021. What can we learn about the history of life and habitability on Earth-sized planets, whether in our Solar System or elsewhere? At the inner edge of the Solar System’s habitable zone (HZ), Venus’ long term evolution provides insights into the surface habitability of rocky exoplanets. Data from VERITAS, DAVINCI, and EnVision will dramatically improve our understanding of the long-term history of the planet and what drives activity and long-term climate change on an Earth-sized planet. Over the 2030-2040 decade, the three missions will work together to answer many of the outstanding questions of Venus science addressed in this topical collection:
Venus: Evolution Through Time – Editorial
Widemann, T., Wilson, C., Breuer, D. et al. Venus: Evolution Through Time – Editorial.Space Sci Rev 220, 39 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-024-01075-0
Venus, the Planet: Introduction to the Evolution of Earth’s Sister Planet
O’Rourke, J.G., Wilson, C.F., Borrelli, M.E. et al. Venus, the Planet: Introduction to the Evolution of Earth’s Sister Planet. Space Sci Rev 219, 10 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-023-00956-0
Synergies between Venus & Exoplanetary Observations
Way, M.J., Ostberg, C., Foley, B.J. et al. Synergies Between Venus & Exoplanetary Observations. Space Sci Rev 219, 13 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-023-00953-3
The Habitability of Venus
Westall, F., Höning, D., Avice, G. et al. The Habitability of Venus. Space Sci Rev 219, 17 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-023-00960-4
Magma Ocean, Water, and the Early Atmosphere of Venus
Salvador, A., Avice, G., Breuer, D. et al. Magma Ocean, Water, and the Early Atmosphere of Venus. Space Sci Rev 219, 51 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-023-00995-7
Noble gases and stable isotopes track the origin and early evolution of the Venus atmosphere
Avice, G., Parai, R., Jacobson, S. et al. Noble Gases and Stable Isotopes Track the Origin and Early Evolution of the Venus Atmosphere. Space Sci Rev 218, 60 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-022-00929-9
Sedimentary Processes on Venus
Carter, L.M., Gilmore, M.S., Ghail, R.C. et al. Sedimentary Processes on Venus. Space Sci Rev 219, 85 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-023-01033-2
Volcanic and Tectonic Constraints on the Evolution of Venus
Ghail, R.C., Smrekar, S.E., Widemann, T. et al. Volcanic and Tectonic Constraints on the Evolution of Venus. Space Sci Rev 220, 36 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-024-01065-2
Surface Composition / Mineralogy of the Venus Surface
Gilmore, M.S., Darby Dyar, M., Mueller, N. et al. Mineralogy of the Venus Surface. Space Sci Rev 219, 52 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-023-00988-6
Resurfacing History and Volcanic Activity of Venus
Herrick, R.R., Bjonnes, E.T., Carter, L.M. et al. Resurfacing History and Volcanic Activity of Venus. Space Sci Rev 219, 29 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-023-00966-y
Possible Effects of Volcanic Eruptions on the Modern Atmosphere of Venus
Wilson, C.F., Marcq, E., Gillmann, C. et al. Possible Effects of Volcanic Eruptions on the Modern Atmosphere of Venus. Space Sci Rev 220, 31 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-024-01054-5
Dynamics and Evolution of Venus’ Mantle Through Time
Rolf, T., Weller, M., Gülcher, A. et al. Dynamics and Evolution of Venus’ Mantle Through Time. Space Sci Rev 218, 70 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-022-00937-9
The Long-Term Evolution of the Atmosphere of Venus: Processes and Feedback Mechanisms
Gillmann, C., Way, M.J., Avice, G. et al. The Long-Term Evolution of the Atmosphere of Venus: Processes and Feedback Mechanisms. Space Sci Rev 218, 56 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-022-00924-0
Venus Evolution Through Time: Key Science Questions, Selected Mission Concepts and Future Investigations
Widemann, T., Smrekar, S.E., Garvin, J.B. et al. Venus Evolution Through Time: Key Science Questions, Selected Mission Concepts and Future Investigations. Space Sci Rev 219, 56 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-023-00992-w