From the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 to the eruption of Mount Pelee in 1902, several catastrophic volcanic eruptions have occurred here on Earth.
But a new image shared by NASA reveals that volcanic eruptions on Venus could be even more dramatic.
The image was created by Peter Rubin, and has been featured as NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day.
NASA explained: “Evidence of currently active volcanoes on Venus was announced earlier this year with the unexplained warmth of regions thought to contain only ancient volcanoes.
“Although large scale images of Venus have been taken with radar, thick sulfuric acid clouds would inhibit the taking of optical light vistas.
“Nevertheless, an artist's reconstruction of a Venusian volcano erupting is featured.”
In the image, an enormous plume can be seen coming from an erupting volcano, while a vast lava fields covers the surface of the planet.
Venus has scorching surface temperature of around 465°C - hot enough to melt lead!
Early studies indicate that volcanoes could play a key role in the life cycle on Venus.
NASA added: “Volcanoes could play an important role in a life cycle on Venus as they could push chemical foods into the cooler upper atmosphere where hungry microbes might float.”
The image comes shortly after scientists discovered signs of life on Venus.
An international team of astronomers, led by Cardiff University, have discovered a rare molecule called phosphine in the clouds of Venus.
According to the researchers, the discovery points to extra-terrestrial life on Venus.
