VENUS
EARTH-SIZED
If the Sun were as tall as a typical front door, the Earth and Venus would each be about the size of a nickel. SECOND ROCK Venus orbits our Sun, a star. Venus is the second closest planet to the Sun at a distance of about 67 million miles. A DAY LONGER THAN A YEAR One day on Venus lasts 243 Earth days because Venus spins backwards, with the Sun rising in the west and setting in the east. DIVERSE TERRAIN Venus' solid surface is a volcanic landscape covered with extensive plains featuring high volcanic mountains and vast ridged plateaus. MOONLESS AND RINGLESS Venus has no moons and no rings. GREENHOUSE EFFECT The planet’s surface temperature is about 900 degrees Fahrenheit (465 degrees Celsius)—hot enough to melt lead. WATER ON VENUS Many scientists believe water once existed on the surface. Future Venus explorers will search for evidence of an ancient ocean. |
MANY VISITORS
More than 40 spacecraft have explored Venus. The ‘90s Magellan mission mapped the planet's surface and Akatsuki is currently orbiting Venus.
LIFE ON VENUS
Venus’ extreme temperatures and acidic clouds make it an unlikely place for life as we know it.
SUPER ROTATING ATMOSPHERE
While the surface rotates slowly, the winds blow at hurricane force, sending clouds completely around the planet every five days.
More than 40 spacecraft have explored Venus. The ‘90s Magellan mission mapped the planet's surface and Akatsuki is currently orbiting Venus.
LIFE ON VENUS
Venus’ extreme temperatures and acidic clouds make it an unlikely place for life as we know it.
SUPER ROTATING ATMOSPHERE
While the surface rotates slowly, the winds blow at hurricane force, sending clouds completely around the planet every five days.