science πͺ Could Venus' cracks be from ancient oceans? π
Polygonal cracks covering Venus' low-lying areas might have formed on an ancient seafloor, according to a new study. Researchers from the University of London and Imperial College in the U.K. published these intriguing findings in Earth and Planetary Science Letters on July 29, 2026. The cracks resemble those found in dried seafloor mud on Earth after water evaporation. This hypothesis supports theories suggesting Venus once hosted oceans, despite its current hot and dry surface. Future missions will be needed to confirm this potential evidence of ancient Venusian seas.