β’ Venus is the second planet from the Sun and is Earthβs closest planetary neighbour. Itβs one of the four inner, terrestrial (or rocky) planets, and itβs often called Earthβs twin because itβs similar in size and density. These are not identical twins, however β there are radical differences between the two worlds.
β’ It has a thick, toxic atmosphere filled with carbon dioxide and itβs perpetually shrouded in thick, yellowish clouds of sulfuric acid that trap heat, causing a runaway greenhouse effect.
β’ Itβs the hottest planet in our solar system, even though Mercury is closer to the Sun.
β’ Surface temperatures on Venus are about 900 degrees Fahrenheit (475 degrees Celsius) β hot enough to melt lead.
β’ Venus has crushing air pressure at its surface β more than 90 times that of Earth β similar to the pressure you'd encounter a mile below the ocean on Earth.
β’ Yesterday on Mars, during its drive, the Mars Curiosity Rover used its arm-mounted Mahli camera to have an updated look at the wheels.
The years of hard rocks and avoiding loose sand have been taking their toll. The rover keeps on trucking, but it gives a good insight as to why mission managers decided not to attempt driving over the harsh rocks of the Greenheugh pediment.