Venus
Latest about Venus
![NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this sequence of the 2012 transit of Venus from space.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bjHh2pTB3Eg5kkSYisSypJ-320-80.jpg)
Venus crossed the sun's face 10 years ago. Most people alive will never see the sight again.
By Tom Kerss last updated
On the 10th anniversary of the last transit of Venus, find out what makes these events so special and what else to look out for during the long wait for the next one.
![An image of Venus compiled from data gathered by the Pioneer Venus Orbiter and the Magellan mission, both of which ended in the early 1990s.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/e3CDHgzD3pBZC7PN5d7dPg-320-80.jpeg)
Venus-like worlds are surprisingly common in 'habitable' zones
By Paul Sutter published
The current definition of habitable zone only examines the amount of sunlight reaching a planet. It may be time to question that definition.
![Venus as seen by Japan's Akatsuki orbiter in December 2015.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JTCCDap79LbRh9JRFT4mvH-320-80.jpg)
Why is a day on Venus longer than a year? The atmosphere may be to blame.
By Scott Dutfield published
Venus' dense and stormy atmosphere is the cause why a day on the scorching planet is longer than a year, a new study suggests.
![Is cloud-veiled Venus an abode for extraterrestrial life?](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oFF43BjXYUyyMTTJLFpeDE-320-80.jpg)
New wave of missions to reignite Venus exploration
By Leonard David published
Multiple research teams are developing missions designed to address Venus' potential as an abode for life.
![A "selfie" of Zhurong and its lander captured by a deployed remote camera.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GMVAe7JYj3HbnRcpK3wvFF-320-80.jpg)
China may have its sights set on a mission to Venus
By Andrew Jones published
China is considering adding a mission to Venus to its plans for planetary exploration, according to a senior Chinese space official.
![The planet Venus will be at its greatest elongation on March 20, 2022 and will shine in the sky with Saturn and Mars.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qU4ChzKqSgWSkdYv3DJiz8-320-80.jpg)
Planet Venus at its 'greatest elongation' from the sun. Here's how to see it.
By Samantha Mathewson last updated
Venus has had a busy March! Now, the bright planet will be at its greatest distance from the sun tonight (March 20).
![The surface of Venus, as imaged by NASA's Magellan spacecraft.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dWV9MaYDtYZRoM2S6amSwh-320-80.png)
Venus' extreme surface heat drives swirling winds in upper atmosphere, study finds
By Chelsea Gohd published
Scientists have shown how the swirling winds and searing heat on Venus work together in a revealing new study.
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