Expect Venus to be similar to Earth
(but it isn’t)
• Venus only slightly closer to sun, so expect about same initial
composition
• Venus only slightly smaller than Earth, so expect about same heat
flow
• Venus atmosphere is dramatically different
– Very thick CO2 atmosphere
– Virtually no water in atmosphere or or on surface
• Venus shows relatively recent volcanic activity, but no plate tectonics
• Both probably related to its slightly closer position to the sun
which caused lost of its critical water
• Thick atmosphere and clouds block direct view so information from:
– Orbiting radar missions  (Magellan in early 90’s)
– Russian landers