- In 2010, a 36-minute observation using an experimental polarimeter (ExPo) revealed vast concentric rings encircling Venus's day side, visible only in polarized light.
- Researchers spent years trying to prove the observation was an instrument error, but the signal persisted through all tests.
- Computer simulations showed that atmospheric gravity waves causing density variations of 5–10% could produce the polarization rings.
- If confirmed, the rings would provide evidence of large-scale wave activity transporting energy across Venus, potentially explaining the planet's superrotation.
- The findings suggest a new way to observe atmospheric dynamics, and future polarimeters may be used to replicate the observation.