Although Venus has very similar size and interior structure as Earth, its vulcanic surface and extremely hot and dense atmosphere makes it one of the most inhospitable places in the Solar System.

Atmosphere

Thick clouds of sulfuric acid and dust reflect most of the Sun’s light back to space, while carbon dioxide traps the Sun’s heat inside the atmosphere, causing a runaway greenhouse effect. The atmospheric pressure on the surface of Venus is 92 times greater than on Earth.

Observation

Venus is one of the brightest objects in our night sky - second only to the Moon. It appears as either an evening or a morning star.

Structure

Currently, we have little direct information about the internal structure of Venus. However, its similar size and density to Earth suggests that they share a common internal structure. The principal difference between the two planets is the lack of plate tectonics on Venus, likely due to the dry surface and mantle. This results in reduced heat loss from the planet, preventing it from cooling and providing a likely explanation for its lack of an internally generated magnetic field. Instead, Venus may lose its internal heat in periodic major resurfacing events.