The Messenger spacecraft -- Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry, and Ranging -- and the ESA probe have transmitted the most detailed multi-point images of the Venusian atmosphere ever seen, NASA scientists said Thursday.

The images result from a June 5 flyby of Venus by Messenger during its long journey to Mercury. Venus Express already was in orbit at the planet. The two spacecraft carry sets of instruments employing different observation techniques that complement each other.

Messenger made its closest approach to Venus at a distance of approximately 210 miles on the night side of the planet. At the same time, Venus Express was behind the horizon nearly above the planet's South Pole, at approximately 21,750 miles.

Scientists from both missions are continuing analyzing the images and accompanying data.