VENUS

Venus, often referred to as Earth's ‘twin sister’ due to its similar size, is the second planet from the Sun and has some unique characteristics. Venus is known for its extremely thick and toxic atmosphere, consisting of about 96.5% carbon dioxide, with thick clouds of sulphuric acid covering its entire surface. These conditions create an extreme greenhouse effect that makes Venus' surface temperature reach around 475°C, making it the hottest planet in our solar system, even hotter than Mercury which is closer to the Sun.
Venus' rotation is also unique, as it rotates in the opposite direction to most of the other planets, so there the Sun rises in the west and sets in the east. Venus has a very slow rotation period, taking about 243 Earth days to complete one full rotation on its axis. Interestingly, a Venusian year - the period of its orbit around the Sun - is shorter than a Venusian day itself, which is about 225 Earth days.
Despite its extreme conditions and unsuitability for life as we know it, Venus remains an important object of study for scientists. Research on the planet provides insights into atmospheric processes, climate change, and helps understand the potential for extreme climate change on Earth.