<span class="SFPTagline"> From SCIFIPEDIA </span>

Venus is the second planet from our Sun and is similar in size, density, and composition to Earth. Venus reflects sunlight significantly, and as a result is the brightest planet visible from Earth.

Venus is believed to be incapable of supporting life. It is covered with a thick atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide with clouds composed of sulfuric acid. The thick atmosphere traps heat creating a greenhouse effect and surface temperatures over 470 degrees Celsius. The pressure on the planet's surface is incredibly intense and attempts to study the planet have been hampered by the quick destruction of probes by the heat.

A year on Venus is approximately 225 Earth days. The planet's rotation period is equivalent to 117 Earth days and it rotates backwards, meaning the sun rises in the west and sets in the east. The planet's surface appears to be covered in solidified basalt lava flows and scientists believe the planet was completely resurfaced by volcanic activity 300 to 500 million years ago.

Venus has been the setting for many Sci Fi works. Before more information was acquired about the planet, many imagined its thick atmosphere indicated the likelihood of life on the planet. This idea no doubt inspired scifi authors to imagine what life on Venus would be like. Inhabitants would be referred to as Venusians.

Paranormal

Early contactees sometimes claimed to meet Venusians.

External Links

• NASA - Venus