Venus, is the second planet from the sun, is the second brightest object in the night sky, dimmer only to the moon. This brightness is due partially to the fact that Venus comes closer to the earth than any other planet. Partially to the fact that it is very close to the sun at a distance of 67 million miles, and partially because its thick atmosphere does an excellent job of reflecting sunlight back into space. Because of its brilliance, Venus has been observed by humans for thousands and thousands of years. Sometimes called the morning star or the evening star, because it is at its brightest as sunrise and sunset, the ancient Romans named Venus after their goddess of love and beauty.
Similar in size and gravity and with a rocky body like the earth, Venus is sometimes called earth's sister. On closer inspection, though, it is very, very different.
Although Venus appears serene like a beautiful, bright star at a distance, the surface of the planet is hazardous. Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system, because of its thick toxic atmosphere, mostly carbon dioxide with clouds of sulfuric acid that allow it to retain the sun's heat. Venus has no oceans, it is far too hot for water. Most of its surface is dry, rocky desert plains. Because of its dense atmosphere, the pressure on Venus, the surface is 92 times greater than earth. The heat pressure and corrosive atmosphere on Venus has provided a challenge for scientists attempting to map and explore its surface.
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