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Venus, named after the Roman goddess of love, is similar to the Earth in a few ways.
It is most near Earth in Diameter and the Earth's mass. On the other hand, there are distinct differences among
the two planets which include the atmosphere and surfaces. Dense clouds fill Venus and the hot atmosphere is a
truly remarkable aspect.
Carbon Dioxide is the main component of Venus's atmosphere. It makes up about 96% of the atmosphere. Also, from
various spacecraft landing upon the atmosphere, Venus also contains small amounts of nitrogen as well as water
vapor and other gases. There is approximately 3.5 % nitrogen. Perhaps from volcanic activity, there are sulfuric
clouds. These clouds are very dense and make the surface hard to see. The clouds make Venus seem very bright, bright
enough to see on a clear day. The pressure of Venus's atmosphere is 100 times more than that of the Earth. The
temperature reaches 750 K, 900° F mainly because of the Greenhouse effect. This effect is how the atmosphere
of Venus makes it very difficult for other gases to escape that atmosphere. It may be easy for gases to enter,
but escaping will be very hard. Venus's pressure may also account for this.
Venus has a surface consisting of many plains and is not as rugged as the
Earth. Ishtar and Aphrodite are the only two highland regions of Venus which form continental plains. There are
also craters present on Venus and scientist believe that there may be some volcanic activity. It is not known whether
the volcanic activity is much, but there still seems to be many fresh lava flows.
The interior of Venus is believed to be made of its silicate crust, and
another mantle layer just like the Earth's . The core may be made of an iron or nickel core. Deductions only on
gravity and density make observing this property very hard.
Venus is the slowest planet when it comes to spinning on its axis. To
complete one rotation it takes about 243 days. Due to its slow rotation, it cannot generate a strong magnetic field.
Interestingly enough it has a backward spin. This makes it seem that Venus rises in the west and sets in the east.
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