Summary:
- The Magellan spacecraft, launched in 1989, conducted a detailed study of the surface of Venus, the second planet from the Sun, over a 4-year period.
- One of the key features discovered by Magellan were the "coronae" - large circular structures on the Venusian surface that are believed to be the result of upwelling of hot material from the planet's interior.
- These coronae provide valuable insights into the geological processes and evolution of Venus, a planet with a dense atmosphere and extreme surface temperatures, helping scientists better understand the dynamics of terrestrial planets.