Yes, Eros did indeed crash-land on Venus.
Following a significant incident, the Eros asteroid, which had been under the influence of the protomolecule, was redirected. Its journey culminated in a violent impact with the planet Venus.
The Impact of Eros on Venus
The collision of Eros with Venus was a pivotal event. This celestial body, transformed by an alien intelligence, was sent hurtling towards the second planet from the Sun. The impact was not merely a physical collision; it represented the culmination of a dramatic chase and a desperate effort to prevent a catastrophic biological outbreak in the inner solar system.
Venus: An Unwelcoming Destination
Venus proved to be an exceptionally hostile environment for any kind of landing, especially for human exploration. The conditions on the planet are extreme:
- Atmospheric Composition: Venus boasts an acidic atmosphere, primarily composed of carbon dioxide with clouds of sulfuric acid.
- Extreme Temperatures: The surface temperature is autoclave-hot, reaching averages of around 462 degrees Celsius (864 degrees Fahrenheit), making it the hottest planet in our solar system.
- Immense Pressure: The atmospheric pressure on Venus's surface is over 90 times that of Earth's at sea level.
Due to these harsh conditions, no human ships could land on Venus without being crushed, melted, or corroded. Eros's crash-landing on such an inhospitable world highlights the immense forces at play and the unique circumstances surrounding its trajectory.
Celestial Body | Event | Destination | Key Characteristics of Destination |
---|---|---|---|
Eros | Crash-landed | Venus | Acidic, autoclave-hot atmosphere; unlandable for human ships |
The impact of Eros on Venus was a defining moment, demonstrating the destructive potential of the protomolecule and the sheer impossibility of human intervention on Venus's surface.