Venus 101 _ National Geographic

Venus, often referred to as Earth's "sister planet," is the second planet from the Sun in our solar system. Here are some key facts about Venus:

Atmosphere: Venus has a thick and toxic atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide, with clouds of sulfuric acid. This thick atmosphere traps heat, making Venus the hottest planet in our solar system, with surface temperatures that can melt lead.

Surface: The surface of Venus is rugged and dominated by vast plains, mountains, and numerous volcanoes. Some of its features are named after famous women, such as the Venusian highland called "Alpha Regio."

Rotation: Venus has an unusual rotation. It rotates on its axis very slowly and in the opposite direction to most other planets, including Earth. This means that Venus has extremely long days and nights.

No Moons: Unlike most of the other planets in our solar system, Venus does not have any moons.

Exploration: Various spacecraft have been sent to study Venus, including the Soviet Union's Venera program and NASA's Magellan mission. These missions have provided valuable data about the planet's surface and atmosphere.

Extreme Conditions: Venus' extreme surface conditions, with crushing pressure and scorching temperatures, make it a challenging target for human exploration. Any future missions to Venus would require advanced technology and significant engineering solutions to withstand these conditions.

National Geographic often provides in-depth articles, documentaries, and educational materials about planets like Venus and many other topics related to science, nature, and exploration. You can check their website or watch their documentaries for more detailed information and visuals on Venus.