Imaging data from Japan’s Himawari-8 and -9 meteorological satellites have been employed in groundbreaking research into Venus. A team led by the University of Tokyo utilized data from these advanced weather satellites to unravel the complexities of the cloud-top temperature variations on Venus, revealing previously unknown patterns in the planet’s atmospheric dynamics. This research not only represents a novel application of meteorological satellite data in planetary science but also contributes significantly to our understanding of Venus’s atmosphere over both short- and long-term durations.
The Himawari satellites, which were launched in 2014 and 2016, are equipped with sophisticated multispectral Advanced Himawari Imagers (AHIs). These devices allow for high-resolution observation of Earth’s weather systems, but the University of Tokyo team recognized their potential for observing Venus as well. During specific alignment events where the geostationary satellites, Venus, and Earth form a straight line, the satellites are capable of capturing images of Venus, despite its relatively small apparent size in the sky.
Research conducted between 2015 and 2025 focused on monitoring temporal changes in cloud-top temperatures on Venus. This monitoring is crucial for understanding atmospheric phenomena such as thermal tides and planetary-scale waves. Researchers faced numerous challenges, as the complexities of Venus’s atmosphere exhibit year-to-year variations in properties like reflectance and wind speed. Past planetary missions have struggled with continuity, often not exceeding a decade in operational time, which has limited the data available on these atmospheric changes.
Ground-based observations allow for some temporal data but are inherently limited because of atmospheric interference, which affects visibility, especially during daylight hours. Meteorological satellites like Himawari-8 and -9, on the other hand, offer a more stable and extended observational capacity with planned lifetimes extending into 2029. The capabilities of the AHIs, particularly their ability to provide multiband infrared coverage, are essential for retrieving temperature profiles at various altitudes, which can significantly enhance our understanding of Venus’s atmosphere.
The team from the University of Tokyo aimed to produce a comprehensive connectivity to Venusian atmospheric studies by comparing current data sets and previous research, thus establishing a new framework for understanding the dynamics underlying atmospheric changes. The researchers compiled a database that consisted of 437 instances where Venus was identified within the collected AHI datasets. By meticulously filtering through the data, they addressed background noise and evaluated the apparent size of Venus in the imagery, allowing them to effectively track cloud-top temperature variations.
The retrieved data on brightness temperatures was then analyzed extensively on both daily and yearly scales. This comprehensive analysis was aimed at revealing the variability of various atmospheric phenomena, including thermal tides and planetary waves. A noteworthy finding was the confirmation of changes in the amplitude of thermal tides and planetary waves over time—an observation that may point to intriguing dynamics associated with Venus’s atmospheric structure. While the team encountered challenges in pinpointing the definitive causes behind these variations, the evidence suggested a possible correlation between the observed alterations in thermal tide amplitude and decadal changes in Venus’s atmospheric conditions, providing a tantalizing avenue for further research.
In addition to identifying these fascinating dynamics, the research also illuminated discrepancies in calibration among past data obtained from other planetary missions. By leveraging the consistent, high-quality data from the Himawari satellites, the team was able to refine our understanding of Venus’s atmospheric behavior effectively. Such discrepancies had often marred previous interpretations and hobbled the comparative analysis needed for comprehensive studies of the planet’s climate.
The implications of this study resonate far beyond Venus, as the methods developed during this research could pioneer new pathways for long-term multiband monitoring of other celestial bodies within our solar system—specifically the Moon and Mercury. The techniques discovered in this study harness the power of high-resolution infrared data to unveil important insights into the physical and compositional characteristics of these rocky surfaces. Gaku Nishiyama, the lead researcher, emphasized that the study represents a significant step forward in planetary science, encompassing a broader understanding of planetary evolution.
By enabling access to a range of geometric observational conditions free from the constraints of ground-based measurements, the research holds promise for advancing our exploration of celestial bodies. The prospect of unveiling details about surface composition, atmospheric dynamics, and the ongoing evolution of solar system bodies ultimately contributes to a more extensive understanding of planetary processes across varying environments. The results from this exciting study invite further inquiry and exploration into the atmospheric phenomena of not just Venus, but also other neighboring planets, deepening our insight into their unique features and evolutionary histories.
As we move into a future where new planetary missions target these bodies, the methods pioneered through the Himawari satellite data will guide us as we strive to unravel the mysteries that lie beyond our home planet. The innovative approach exemplified in this research signifies a paradigm shift in planetary monitoring, merging meteorological capabilities with astronomical inquiry to yield fertile ground for future discoveries. The ongoing pursuit to comprehend the workings of our solar system benefits greatly from such interdisciplinary efforts, as we eagerly anticipate the unexplored frontiers that await our understanding.
Subject of Research: Venus’s cloud-top temperature variations using meteorological satellite data.
Article Title: Temporal variation in the cloud-top temperature of Venus revealed by meteorological satellites
News Publication Date: 30-Jun-2025
Web References: [link to research article]
References: Nishiyama et al., Earth, Planets and Space, DOI: 10.1186/s40623-025-02223-8
Image Credits: ©2025 Nishiyama et al. CC-BY-ND
Keywords
Venus, Hisawari satellites, cloud-top temperature, atmospheric dynamics, thermal tides, planetary waves, meteorological satellites, infrared imaging.
