By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
Why Venus is Called Earth’s Twin
Venus, often referred to as Earth’s twin, shares remarkable similarities with our planet. Both are nearly identical in size, mass, and composition. Despite these resemblances, Venus is vastly different in climate and surface conditions, making it an enigma for scientists and astronomers.
Harsh Atmosphere and Runaway Greenhouse Effect
Venus is shrouded in a dense atmosphere composed primarily of carbon dioxide, with clouds of sulfuric acid. This leads to an extreme greenhouse effect, making Venus the hottest planet in our solar system, with surface temperatures reaching a scorching 475°C (900°F). These hostile conditions prevent the existence of liquid water, a stark contrast to Earth’s life-sustaining environment.
Recent Discoveries on Venus
Scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries about Venus, shedding light on its geological activity and atmospheric composition:
- Volcanic Activity: Evidence of active volcanoes was recently detected, suggesting the planet is geologically alive.
- Phosphine in the Atmosphere: Researchers have identified traces of phosphine, a gas associated with microbial life, sparking debates about potential life forms in Venus’s upper cloud layers.
- Polar Vortices: Venus’s polar regions are home to enormous swirling atmospheric currents, offering insights into its unique weather patterns.
Venus Missions: Unlocking Its Secrets
Global space agencies are intensifying their focus on Venus:
- NASA’s DAVINCI+ and VERITAS Missions: These missions aim to study Venus’s atmosphere, geological history, and surface features in unprecedented detail.
- ESA’s EnVision: The European Space Agency plans to investigate the planet’s surface and its interaction with the atmosphere.
- Indian Venus Orbiter Mission (Shukrayaan-1): Set to launch soon, this mission will focus on atmospheric chemistry and surface imaging.
Venus’s Role in Understanding Earth
Studying Venus offers valuable lessons about Earth’s climate change and atmospheric dynamics. As our closest planetary neighbor, Venus provides a window into understanding the long-term effects of greenhouse gases and planetary evolution.