What does "Venus" mean?
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Venus is the second planet from the Sun and is known for being very hot, with temperatures high enough to melt metal. It is often called Earth's twin because they are similar in size and structure, but conditions on Venus are vastly different.
Exploration
Scientists have been studying Venus for many years using telescopes and spacecraft. The first successful mission to Venus was Mariner 2 in 1962, which helped us learn that the planet has a thick atmosphere made mostly of carbon dioxide. This atmosphere traps heat, making Venus the hottest planet in our solar system.
Current Research
Recent interest in Venus has grown, with new missions being planned to explore the planet more deeply. These missions aim to answer many questions we still have about Venus and how it compares to other planets, especially those outside our solar system, known as exoplanets.
Connection to Exoplanets
Studying Venus can help us understand exoplanets better. Many exoplanets are found in similar situations to Venus, so what we learn from our own planet may give insights into these distant worlds. Scientists hope that by exploring both Venus and exoplanets, they can learn more about how different environments can affect the potential for life and the general characteristics of planets.