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NASA Detects Massive Lava Tube Beneath Venus's Nyx Mons

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

NASA's Magellan mission data indicate the first indirect detection of a large lava tube beneath Nyx Mons.
Researchers from the University of Trento analyzed radar data to identify a subsurface cavity about 1 kilometer wide and at least 375 meters deep.
The finding supports long-suspected Venus volcanic activity and suggests underground tunnels exist.
Future missions, NASA's VERITAS and ESA's EnVision, will explore these structures and Venus's evolution.

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Story summary

NASA's Magellan mission data indicate the first indirect detection of a large lava tube beneath Nyx Mons.
Researchers from the University of Trento analyzed radar data to identify a subsurface cavity about 1 kilometer wide and at least 375 meters deep.
The finding supports long-suspected Venus volcanic activity and suggests underground tunnels exist.
Future missions, NASA's VERITAS and ESA's EnVision, will explore these structures and Venus's evolution.