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ORBONIX · SOLAR SYSTEM
VENUS
The second planet from the Sun,
wrapped in a dense atmosphere
and extreme heat.
VENUS · REAL COLOR
108.2 million km
AVERAGE DISTANCE FROM SUN
12,104 km
DIAMETER
225 DAYS
ORBITAL PERIOD
243 DAYS
ROTATION PERIOD
4.87 × 10²⁴ kg
MASS
~465°C
AVERAGE SURFACE TEMPERATURE
THE HOTTEST PLANET
Venus is the second planet from the Sun
and the hottest planet in the Solar System.
Its atmosphere is composed mainly of
carbon dioxide, with thick clouds of
sulfuric acid. This extremely dense
atmosphere creates a powerful
greenhouse effect that traps heat near
the surface.
Venus rotates very slowly and in the
opposite direction to most planets.
One rotation takes about 243 Earth days,
while one orbit around the Sun takes
about 225 Earth days.
EXTREME GREENHOUSE EFFECT
Venus has a runaway greenhouse effect,
making its surface hotter than Mercury
despite being farther from the Sun.
RETROGRADE ROTATION
Venus rotates in the opposite direction
to most planets in the Solar System.
THICK ATMOSPHERE
The atmosphere is extremely dense and
is dominated by carbon dioxide, with
clouds made largely of sulfuric acid.
DID YOU KNOW?
A day on Venus is actually
longer than its year.
Venus rotates once in about
243 Earth days but orbits the Sun
in only about 225 days.
WHY VENUS IS SO HOT
Venus is hotter at its surface than Mercury even though Mercury is closer to the Sun. Its dense carbon-dioxide atmosphere produces an extreme greenhouse effect that traps heat, while thick clouds containing sulfuric acid cover the planet.
Venus and Earth are similar in size and bulk composition, making their radically different climates scientifically valuable. Comparing the two planets helps researchers investigate how atmospheres and planetary environments evolve.
IMAGE:
VENUS REAL COLOR IMAGE /
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS