There is some evidence of lightning occurring on Venus.
Notes on verification
The 2018 review by Lorenz (Progress in Earth and Planetary Science) concludes that some form of persistent atmospheric electrical activity is supported by Venera VLF detections and Pioneer Venus / Venus Express ELF emissions, while other missions (Cassini, Galileo) did not detect optical signatures at terrestrial-lightning levels. The hedged claim as stated (some evidence exists) accurately reflects the peer-reviewed conclusion. Cited independently by multiple Nature and NASA sources. Primary source reassigned 2026-09-06 from Wikipedia Ashen light stub (source_id=57) to Lorenz 2018 review (source_id=1670).
Sources
- Ashen light (en.wikipedia.org)
- https://progearthplanetsci.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40645-018-0181-x (progearthplanetsci.springeropen.com)
- https://www.nature.com/articles/279614a0 (nature.com)
- https://science.nasa.gov/missions/cassini/cassini-scientists-see-no-sign-of-lightning-on-venus/ (science.nasa.gov)
- https://www.science.org/content/article/signs-lightning-venus (science.org)