Venus Overview

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the planet Venus, including its physical properties, atmospheric conditions, historical explorations, and geological features.

True color image

An image that represents Venus as seen by the human eye, taken by Mariner 10.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

A gas that can combine with water to form sulfuric acid, contributing to the yellowish-orange hue of Venus.

Orbital period

The time it takes for Venus to complete one orbit around the Sun, which is 0.615 years (225 days).

Rotational period

The duration for Venus to complete one rotation on its axis, approximately 243 days.

Retrograde rotation

The spinning of Venus in a clockwise direction, opposite to most planets.

Atmospheric pressure on Venus

92 times greater than Earth's surface atmospheric pressure, mostly composed of CO2.

Runaway greenhouse effect

A process where increased atmospheric gases create heat retention leading to extreme surface temperatures.

Venera Program

The Soviet Union's space program which included 16 spacecraft dedicated to Venus exploration.

Magellan probe

A spacecraft that mapped the surface of Venus using radar, launched in 1989.

Shield volcanoes

Flat, broad volcanoes found on Venus, which differ in morphology from those on Earth.

Ishtar Terra

A continent-sized highland region on Venus, approximately the size of Australia.

Maxwell Montes

The tallest mountain range on Venus, named after scientist James Clerk Maxwell.

Atmospheric composition of Venus

Primarily CO2 (96.5%), N2 (3.5%), with traces of sulfuric acid and water vapor.

Electrical field hypothesis

A theory suggesting that a strong electric field may have contributed to the loss of water on Venus.

Meteoroid

A piece of rock, asteroid, or comet orbiting the Sun, capable of entering a planet's atmosphere.

Meteorite

A meteoroid that successfully reaches a planet’s surface.