Stuff You Should Know

How Venus Works

Jun 17, 2021
Venus is a fiery mystery, where lead would melt on its surface and a day lasts longer than a year. The planet's backwards spin and its transformation from potential habitability to a scorching hellscape intrigue scientists. Exploring the extreme volcanic activity and dense atmosphere serves as a warning for Earth's climate. With a history of exploration, including key Soviet missions, Venus is gaining renewed interest from space agencies. The ongoing debate about possible life in its clouds adds another layer to this captivating planetary saga.
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INSIGHT

Venus: Beauty and Hell

  • Venus, the third brightest object in the sky, has been observed since ancient times.
  • Its association with feminine beauty contrasts sharply with its current hellscape status.
INSIGHT

Venus's Spherical Shape

  • Venus, similar in size and mass to Earth, is a near-perfect sphere.
  • Its slow rotation prevents the equatorial bulge seen on faster-spinning planets like Earth.
INSIGHT

Venus's Weak Magnetic Field

  • Venus has an iron core and molten mantle like Earth but lacks a strong magnetic field.
  • Its slow spin prevents the generation of a substantial magnetic field, unlike Earth's rapid rotation.
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