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What If We Built Cloud Cities on Venus?

What If | January 26, 2026



The Earth might not be here forever. A huge solar flare, an asteroid impact, or a local gamma-ray burst — anything could wipe us out for good.

If we’re looking for someplace to escape to, there is one planet in our Solar System that is somewhat similar to Earth, though we don’t know much about it. It might even be hosting some microbial life. No, it’s not Mars — it’s Venus.

Transcript and sources: https://insh.world/science/what-if-we-built-cloud-cities-on-venus/

Watch more what-if scenarios:
Planet Earth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-HhCwYD7rc&list=PLZdXRHYAVxTJCzxwmCq0NNpYq9N9wyb2l
The Cosmos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfuJyVkMH_g&list=PLZdXRHYAVxTJno6oFF9nLGuwXNGYHmE8U
Technology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS3bBO05fpU&list=PLZdXRHYAVxTIeRY3JtgXgoGqSEB7kDdKO
Your Body: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmXR46TrbA8&list=PLZdXRHYAVxTJNsV9FFeNAKl2ySsHj8GZO
Humanity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdCDQIyXGnw&list=PLZdXRHYAVxTIFnvmOeWbv-Mt8zFxSCSvZ

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Comments

This post currently has 46 comments.

  1. @batman3698

    January 26, 2026 at 7:51 pm

    No solar flare can make earth worse than Venus. And a grb would hit the whole solar system simultaneously where earth is better protected anyway. And earth is better equipped to deflect asteroids.

  2. @jamesmylife6578

    January 26, 2026 at 7:51 pm

    If I solar flare hit Venus it would have been worse if it got hit by an asteroid same thing except it’s atmosphere is thicker gamma ray burst even if it hit earth it would also effect Venus.

  3. @worldsboss

    January 26, 2026 at 7:51 pm

    If humanity ever terraforms Venus then it’d be literally thousands and thousands of years into the future. That’s if it’s even possible at all

  4. @wdd3141

    January 26, 2026 at 7:51 pm

    Early on, resources for the floating cities would have to come either from the Venusian atmosphere, or from shipments from Earth — it would not be possible to exploit the mineral resources of the hot, hostile environment. Some brilliant and dedicated engineers would have to find ways to go to and under the planet's surface to mine resources.

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