Planetary geoscientists, leveraging archival radar imagery from NASA’s Magellan probe, have pinpointed a substantial subterranean channel beneath the surface in the Nyx Mons region of Venus.
Magellan radar imagery of Venus, revealing multiple pit formations and a detected skylight labeled ‘A,’ which may offer ingress to the underground void; the direction of radar illumination is indicated by a white arrow. Photographic acknowledgment: NASA / Carrer et al., doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-68643-6.
Lava tubes are naturally occurring subterranean tunnels engendered by volcanic processes.
These formations typically materialize within basaltic lava flows, where magma exhibiting low viscosity either solidifies and crusts over or inflates between existing lava strata.
In addition to terrestrial environments, indicative traces of lava tube structures have been discerned on other celestial bodies, including Mars and the Moon.
For instance, recent investigations present persuasive evidence of a subsurface cavernous conduit situated beneath the Mare Tranquillitatis Pit on the lunar surface.
The presence of lava tubes on Venus had, until now, been largely speculative, lacking definitive empirical confirmation.
“Our comprehension of Venus remains rudimentary, and prior to this, we had not had the opportunity to directly observe phenomena occurring beneath the superficial layer of Earth’s planetary counterpart,” stated Professor Lorenzo Bruzzone of the University of Trento.
“Consequently, the identification of a volcanic cavity holds considerable significance, as it validates theoretical models that have posited their existence for numerous years.”
“This groundbreaking finding contributes to an enhanced understanding of the geological mechanisms that have shaped Venus’ developmental trajectory and introduces novel avenues for planetary research.”
Within the scope of their investigation, Professor Bruzzone and his research associates meticulously examined radar imagery acquired by the Synthetic Aperture Radar, an instrument deployed aboard NASA’s Magellan spacecraft, which systematically mapped the topography of Venus between 1990 and 1992.
“We scrutinized Magellan’s radar datasets, particularly areas exhibiting signs of localized ground subsidence, employing an advanced imaging methodology we devised to detect and profile subsurface channels in proximity to skylights.”
“Our analytical procedures revealed the presence of an extensive subterranean conduit within the Nyx Mons area, a region named in homage to the Greek deity of night.”
This geological feature is distinguished by a diameter approximating 1 kilometer (3,280 feet), a roof thickness of at least 150 meters (492 feet), and an unoccupied void space measuring no less than 375 meters (1,230 feet) in height.
The conduit extends horizontally beneath the surface for a minimum of 300 meters (984 feet) from its apparent skylight opening.
“The available data constrain our confirmation and measurement capabilities to the segment of the cavity immediately adjacent to the skylight,” Professor Bruzzone elaborated.
“Nevertheless, a comparative analysis of the topography and elevation of the surrounding terrain, coupled with the existence of other pits analogous to the one under scrutiny, supports the hypothesis that these subsurface conduits could potentially span distances of up to 45 kilometers (28 miles).”
“To rigorously test this hypothesis and to identify additional potential lava tube formations, the acquisition of new, higher-resolution imagery and data from radar systems equipped with subsurface penetration capabilities will be imperative.”
“The findings derived from this research are therefore profoundly consequential for forthcoming Venusian exploration endeavors, including missions such as ESA’s Envision and NASA’s Veritas spacecraft.”
“Both of these anticipated missions will be equipped with sophisticated radar instrumentation designed to capture imagery with enhanced resolution, thereby enabling scientists to meticulously examine small-scale surface features in greater detail.”
“Furthermore, the Envision mission will incorporate an orbital ground-penetrating radar system (Subsurface Radar Sounder) capable of probing Venus’ subsurface to depths extending into the hundreds of meters, potentially facilitating the detection of conduits even in the absence of surface egress points.”
“Consequently, our present discovery marks merely the inception of an extensive and captivating research initiative.”
The detailed scientific account of this investigation was formally published today in the esteemed journal Nature Communications.
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L. Carrer et al. 2026. Radar-based observation of a lava tube on Venus. Nat Commun 17, 1147; doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-68643-6
