Our Planets Found: Venus
When found:
Known since prehistoric times.
By who:
Ancient civilizations, including the Babylonians and Mayans.
Description:
Venus is the second planet from the Sun, similar in size and structure to Earth, known as Earth's twin. It has a thick, toxic atmosphere of carbon dioxide, with surface temperatures hot enough to melt lead.
Distance from Earth:
Closest distance: approximately 24 million miles.
Length of Year & Day:
Year: 225 Earth days.
Day: 243 Earth days (and it rotates retrograde).
Interesting fact:
Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system due to its runaway greenhouse effect, with average temperatures of 464°C.
Like its Finder:
Like the ancient Mayans who tracked Venus for their calendars and saw it as a symbol of war, Venus appears bright and beautifully in the sky but hides a hellish, volcanic surface beneath its clouds.
