V is for Venus

The European Space Agency's Venus Express arrived at its destination on April 11. During the next couple of months, the explorer's orbit will be fine tuned before beginning it's full scientific mission.

This early image shows Venus's cloud cover appearing like a fuzzy tennis ball. Scientists were surprised at the level of detail that they could see, even at great distances. Later pictures may offer 100 times as much resolution.

Infrared wavelengths show amazing detail in the planet's atmosphere. I am looking forward to even more spectacular images in the future.

Photos courtesy of ESA