Venus south polar vortex in false colour

This image provides a false-colour view of Venus’ south polar vortex deep down in the atmosphere.

It was obtained by the Visible and Infrared Thermal Imaging Spectrometer (VIRTIS) on board ESA’s Venus Express on 28 May 2006, when the spacecraft was flying at a distance of about 65 000 km from the planet’s surface.

The image provides a real impression of the immense, powerful whirlpool that makes up the polar vortex on Venus.