Awesome science facts for kids

Venus is a fascinating planet that is similar in size to Earth but very different in regards to atmosphere and surface conditions. Its thick clouds lock in the heat while the surface rages with active volcanoes. 

Venus is the closest planet to Earth. It is sometimes called 'Earth's twin' as it is most similar planet to Earth in size, mass and density

The atmosphere of Venus made up mainly of carbon dioxide.

Venus' year (225 Earth days) is shorter than its day (243 Earth days) It takes Venus 225 Earth days to complete its orbit around the sun.

Its size is slightly smaller than Earth.

It also features gravity similar to that of Earth.

Venus is the one of two planets in our solar system that rotates clockwise (east to west) So, Sun rises in the west and sets in the east on Venus

Venus is surrounded by clouds consisting of mercury, ferric chloride hydrocarbons and sulphuric acid. These clouds create the most corrosive acid rain found anywhere in our solar system.

The clouds are so thick that little light even reaches the surface. The light that does reach the surface is converted to heat and can not escape the atmosphere making Venus the hottest planet at around 500 Degrees Celsius.

From the surface of Earth, Venus is visible to naked eye as 'Morning Star' or 'Evening Star' Venus shows phases like our Moon because it is between Earth and the Sun

The surface of Venus is often described as a "stormy desert" full of many craters and very active volcanoes.

The surface is also likened to molten lead.

Mariner 2 passed within 22,000 mi of Venus in 1962. First artificial probe to impact on the surface of another planet, Venera 3, crashed on to Venus in 1966. Mariner 5, Venera 7 and Mariner 10 flew by Venus. Magellan landed on Venus in 1990

Venus features no liquid water.