Venus - AJ

·       Venus is often called Earth’s twin because it is the closest planet in size to Earth. Scientists estimate the diameter of Venus at about 7,520 miles, making it approximately 400 miles smaller in diameter than Earth.

·       Although it is called Earth’s twin, the surface conditions of Venus are very different from those on Earth. Scientists believe the planet’s surface is very hot and dry and contains no liquid water, due to extremely high surface temperature.

·       Venus travels around the sun in a nearly circular orbit, with its average distance from the sun varying only slightly throughout the orbit. It takes the planet approximately 225 Earth days to travel completely around the sun, compared to Earth’s 365 days.

·       Venus travels around the sun in a nearly circular orbit, with its average distance from the sun varying only slightly throughout the orbit. It takes the planet approximately 225 Earth days to travel completely around the sun, compared to Earth’s 365 days.

·       Venus is one of only two planets that rotates on its axis clockwise from east to west. The only other planet to do so is Uranus.