The Planet Venus
Venus is like Earth in many ways. It's the nearest planet to Earth. It's about the same distance from the sun, and it's about the same size. Because of these similarities, people used to think that Venus might be like Earth in other ways, too. Some thought it might have a similar atmosphere. Others wondered whether there was life on Venus.
The Truth Is Revealed
In the 1960s, people learned the truth about Venus. It's not at all like Earth. It's covered with a thick layer of clouds that rain sulfuric acid. The acid is strong enough to dissolve metal. There's no water on Venus, and it's hot. The surface temperature reaches about 900 degrees Fahrenheit. That's hot enough to melt lead. The pressure on Venus is also intense. It's about 90 times the pressure on Earth.
Mountains and Craters
The surface of Venus is covered with large mountains. Some are larger than any found on Earth. The planet's surface is also marked by hundreds of impact craters. These large holes are made by meteorites. Meteorites are rocks that travel through space and occasionally smash into the planet.
1
Select the correct answer.
What would happen to a tin house if you built it on Venus?
A.
It would float away during a rainstorm.
B.
It would soon be hit by a meteorite.
C.
It would be destroyed by heat and acid.