A Day on Venus Is Longer Than Its Year

A Day on Venus Is Longer Than Its Year

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Venus has one of the strangest rotations in the solar system one day on Venus (one full rotation on its axis) takes 243 Earth days, while it orbits the Sun in just 225 Earth days. This means a year on Venus is shorter than a single day. Additionally, Venus rotates in the opposite direction compared to most planets, including Earth. This unusual rotation is called retrograde rotation, meaning if you stood on Venus, the Sun would appear to rise in the west and set in the east. Scientists believe this slow, backward spin may have been caused by a massive collision in the planet’s early history.

The Harsh Environment of Venus

Besides its odd rotation, Venus is also the hottest planet in the solar system, with surface temperatures reaching 475°C (900°F) hot enough to melt lead. Its thick atmosphere, made mostly of carbon dioxide, creates an extreme greenhouse effect, trapping heat and making the planet even hotter than Mercury, which is closer to the Sun. Venus also experiences crushing atmospheric pressure, 92 times stronger than Earth's, equivalent to being nearly a kilometer underwater. Because of these extreme conditions, Venus remains one of the most challenging planets to explore. Shutdown123

 

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