Did Moon Flip Venus' Spin In Wrong Direction? This Study Claims So

Venus, often referred to as Earth’s evil twin, has long captivated scientists with its unique characteristics that set it apart from the other planets in our solar system. One of its most intriguing features is its retrograde rotation, a phenomenon where it spins in the opposite direction compared to most other planets. While the mystery behind Venus’ strange spin has puzzled researchers for years, a new study suggests that an ancient moon might be the key to understanding this celestial enigma.

The idea that an ancient moon with a backward orbit could be responsible for Venus’ peculiar rotation isn’t a new concept. However, recent research led by Valeri Makarov from the United States Naval Observatory and Alexey Goldin from Teza Technologies delves deeper into this hypothesis. Using advanced computer simulations, the researchers explored the dynamics of Venus’ rotation within the context of the chaotic early solar system, reported New Scientist.

Their findings propose that the gravitational pull exerted by an ancient moon with a retrograde orbit could have played a crucial role in shaping Venus’s distinctive retrograde rotation. This study provides valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of the early solar system, marked by chaos and the high-speed movements of celestial bodies.

Venus, with its potentially habitable past, has been a subject of scientific interest for a long time. However, extreme temperatures and its unusual spin have fueled various theories about the planet. Now this recent study suggests that an ancient moon may have flipped Venus’ spin, opening up new avenues for understanding the planet’s history and evolution.

In early science fiction, Venus was often depicted as a planet sharing similarities with Earth and Mars before their developmental paths diverged. Scientists are now turning to climate models of Venus to unravel the factors that contributed to its current inhospitable environment. The discovery of a potential link between an ancient moon and Venus’s retrograde rotation adds another layer to our understanding of the planet’s complex history.

According to the BBC report, the early stages of the solar system were marked by chaos, with numerous high-speed objects such as comets and asteroids potentially colliding with planets. The report suggests that Venus might have experienced a collision with a celestial object similar in size, causing it to spin in the opposite direction. This chaotic environment during the formation of the solar system provides a backdrop for the various theories surrounding Venus’ unique characteristics.

Venus, our mysterious celestial neighbour, harbours astonishing revelations. With an exceptionally leisurely rotation, requiring 243 Earth days for a single turn, it boasts a day that surpasses its year.

This fiery and inhospitable planet experiences searing temperatures of 465 degrees Celsius, a consequence of a runaway greenhouse effect fueled by its dense carbon dioxide atmosphere. Navigating Venus’s atmospheric pressure, a staggering 92 times greater than that of Earth, proves formidable for exploration, with only a handful of spacecraft achieving successful landings.

Venus’ surface unveils enigmatic landscapes, ranging from expansive volcanic plains to towering mountains. Its atmosphere undergoes super-rotation, featuring winds at the cloud tops that attain remarkable speeds. The combination of restricted exploration opportunities and a convoluted geological terrain intensifies the perpetual intrigue surrounding Venus, rendering it one of the most remarkable yet least comprehended planets in our celestial neighbour.