Water vapour made Earth’s twin red-hot

In its childhood, Venus had liquid oceans and pleasant temperatures, according to new NASA research. The water may have converted the planet into a scorching hell.

With a temperature of 465 °C, Venus is hot enough to melt lead. The high temperatures are due to an out-of- control greenhouse effect. Astronomers have not been able to explain why it went so wrong on Venus. New NASA research based on models of Earth’s climate indicates that only three billion years ago, Venus had huge oceans and a tropical climate. The oceans evaporated, because Venus is located so close to the Sun. The water vapour boosted the greenhouse effect, making the planet even warmer. At the same time, radiation shattered the water molecules. Light hydrogen left the planet, whereas oxygen combined with carbon to form CO , boosting the greenhouse effect once again.