Venus

Intro

       Second planet from the Sun and our closest planetary neighbor, Venus is similar in structure and size to Earth, but it is now a very different world. Venus spins slowly in the opposite direction most planets do. Its thick atmosphere traps heat in a runaway greenhouse effect, making it the hottest planet in our solar system—with surface temperatures hot enough to melt lead. Glimpses below the clouds reveal volcanoes and deformed mountains.

Fun Facts

1. Super Rotating Atmosphere: While the surface rotates slowly, the winds blow at hurricane force, sending clouds completely around the planet every five days.
2. Water on Venus: Many scientists believe water once existed on the surface. Future Venus explorers will search for evidence of an ancient ocean.
3. Many Visitors: More than 40 spacecraft have explored Venus. The ‘90s Magellan mission mapped the planet's surface and Akatsuki is currently orbiting Venus.

Want to Learn more? Click Here


Next
Back