Aurora
Tuning into the cosmos…
LoadingAurora
Tuning into the cosmos…
LoadingTerrestrial planet
Similar to Earth in size, Venus is wrapped in a crushing carbon-dioxide atmosphere and clouds of sulfuric acid. A runaway greenhouse effect makes its surface hot enough to melt lead — the hottest planet in the solar system.
At a glance
Why it's fascinating
Re-analysis of NASA's Magellan radar revealed a vent that changed shape — evidence Venus is volcanically active right now.
NASA's DAVINCI and VERITAS and ESA's EnVision will probe its atmosphere and remap the surface this decade.
Venus rotates retrograde and so slowly that a day is longer than its year.
Moons
Venus has no moons.
Photos
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