Venus

Venus is the planet whose orbit comes closest to the Earth. We often it shining in the western sky after sunset, wich is why it is known as the Evening star. Venus is a near twin of Earth is size, but it is a waterless world with a scorching climate.

Space probes have shown the great planes cover much of Venus surface. There are two big highland regions, which we can think of as conte inents. One is found in the north, and it is called Ishtar Terra. The other lies near the equator, and is called Aphrodite Terra.

Thw average temperature on Venus is more than twice as hot on oven set on 'high'. This is because its atmosphere contains mainly carbon dioxide - a heavy gas that traps heat. Over the years it has cause the atmosphere to trap more and more heat, as a greenhouse does. The cloud layers trap the heat too, making the temperature reach as scorching 480 degree celcius.