VENUS THE EARTH' S TWIN

BASIC FACTS

Venus is known as the Earth's twin because both the planets are very similar in size. The diameter of Venus is only 644 kilometers smaller than that of the earth. Moreover, it is the closest planet to the earth.

When seen from the earth, Venus looks brighter than any other planet or star. Sometimes it is the first planet to appear in the west after sunset. At other times, it is the last planet to be seen in the east before sunrise.

So, it is called the Evening Star / Morning Star too.

Venus goes round the sun in about 225 earth-days once. Its orbit is much less oval than that of any other planet. It also rotates very slowly around its axis and completes its one round of rotation in 243 earth days. But it rotates in the direction opposite to that all other planets do.

SPECIAL FEATURES

The surface of Venus is also very hot and dry. It has varying surface features-mountains, flat plains, canyons and valleys. It has two huge mountainous regions on it. The surface of this planet is either dusty or covered with sharp-edged rocks.

Venus has no water on its surface which is very hot and dry. It is covered with thick clouds made up of mainly carbon dioxide. Besides, it has small amounts of nitrogen, water vapor and some other gases like sulphur dioxide. The air-pressure is much heavier on Venus than on the Earth. Beneath the thick clouds, the sky looks orange-colored. Flashes of lightning also occur. In the sky of this planet the clouds have sulphuric acid in them showing that there are active volcanoes on this planet. It has the largest volcano in the entire Solar System It rises 25 kilometers high and is named Olympus Mons.

Venus has a maximum surface temperature of about 455°C-hotter than most ovens even. Life is not possible on it because of its high temperature and lack of oxygen in its air-coat.

IN MYTHOLOGY

In Roman mythology, Venus is the goddess of love, beauty and creative force. Her son-Cupid-is the god of love.