Venus
Venus, sometimes called Earth’s twin, is wrapped in toxic clouds and sports the hottest average temperature of any planet in the Solar System. Its thick carbon dioxide atmosphere traps heat in an extreme greenhouse effect.
- Distance from Sun: ~108 million km
- Diameter: 12,104 km
- Orbital period: 225 Earth days
- Mean surface temperature: ~465°C
- Moons: None
- Key feature: Thick sulfuric acid clouds & extreme atmosphere
Quick Facts
Venus rotates in the opposite direction to most planets (retrograde), and its “day” (243 Earth days) is longer than its year. The surface pressure is 90 times Earth’s; landers survive only hours.