VENUS

Venus spins slowly in the opposite direction from most planets. A thick atmosphere traps heat in a runaway greenhouse effect, making it the hottest planet in our solar system.

1/5

THE THINGS NEED-TO-KNOW ABOUT VENUS

1

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.

2

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 (108 million km).

3

LIFE ON VENUS

Venus’ extreme temperatures and acidic clouds make it an unlikely place for life as we know it.

4

DIVERSE TERRAIN

Venus' solid surface is a volcanic landscape covered with extensive plains featuring high volcanic mountains and vast ridged plateaus.

5

GREENHOUSE EFFECT

The planet’s surface temperature is about 900 degrees Fahrenheit (465 degrees Celsius)—hot enough to melt lead.

6

MOONLESS AND RINGLESS

Venus has no moons and no rings.