Venus

Venus is the second planet from the sun and is often referred to as Earth's "sister planet" due to its similar size and composition. It is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty.

Physical Characteristics

Venus has a thick atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide, with clouds of sulfuric acid, which create a strong greenhouse effect. This results in surface temperatures of over 800 degrees Fahrenheit (427 degrees Celsius), making it the hottest planet in our solar system.

Its surface is rocky and is dotted with volcanoes, mountains, and large impact craters. Venus also has a very slow rotation, taking about 243 Earth days to complete one rotation, and it rotates in the opposite direction to most other planets.

Orbit and Rotation

Venus orbits the sun at an average distance of about 67 million miles (108 million kilometers) and completes one orbit in about 225 Earth days. Its thick atmosphere reflects sunlight, making it the brightest natural object in the night sky after the moon.

Study Guide

1. What is the average surface temperature of Venus?
2. How does Venus' atmosphere contribute to its extreme temperatures?
3. What is the unique characteristic of Venus' rotation compared to other planets?
4. How does Venus' orbit and atmosphere make it one of the brightest objects in the night sky?
5. List some of the physical features found on the surface of Venus.