Venus is the hottest planet in our solar system, even hotter than Mercury, which is closer to the Sun. Its thick atmosphere is filled with carbon dioxide, creating a strong greenhouse effect that traps heat. Surface temperatures can reach up to 465 degrees Celsius (869 degrees Fahrenheit).
This extreme heat makes Venus an inhospitable place for life as we know it. The planet's clouds are made of sulfuric acid, and the pressure on the surface is 90 times greater than Earth's. Studying Venus helps scientists understand climate change and atmospheric science.
Despite its harsh conditions, Venus remains one of the most interesting planets to explore. Space missions continue to gather data to uncover more about its environment and history. Shutdown123