The Planet Venus

Venus, second planet from the sun and hotspot for rich tourists of the future. Similar in size, mass, and other factors, Venus is often referred to by avuncular astronomers as Earth’s “sister planet.”



           It is also, in this author’s opinion, a much more interesting planet than the much-ballyhooed Mars. Here’s why:

           It’s the hottest planet in our solar system. With a mean surface temperature of 863 degrees Fahrenheit, Venus tops even Mercury, even though Mercury is actually closer to the Sun.

           Its surface is insanely inhospitable. Active volcanoes, incredible heat, and clouds made of sulfuric acid, Venus is often described as being close to a traditional depiction of the Catholic version of Hell.





           BUT…

           Many scientists believe Venus once had an atmosphere nearly identical to Earth’s. Billions of years ago Venus had water and a similar core, mantle, and crust to its pretty blue “sister planet”, but after about 600 billion years, runaway greenhouse effects caused the liquid water to evaporate, creating the murderous atmospheric conditions the exist today.  

           STILL…

           There might be life in them thar clouds! Some people speculate that life could exist in the upper cloud layers of Venus, where temperature drop to a cool 176 degrees. Imagine what those things must look like!



           There have been many explorations of Venus by we humble Earthlings, but so far the only crafts to land on the surface have been the Soviet landers Venera 9 and 10 in 1975, and, later in 1982, Venera 13 and 14.





           Venus is also the brightest planet in our night sky, a long time navigational star for ancient (and modern) sailors, and a point of attraction for the imaginations of science fiction writers and huckster astrologers alike.