Why Is Venus Hotter Than Mercury?
Many would insist that mercury is the hottest planet in the solar system because it is closer to the sun. It seems that everyone has been wrong in their belief. Many people will be surprised to know the truth on who holds the title for the hottest planet in our solar system. The title for the hottest planet in our solar system goes to the planet Venus.
The Romans refer to Venus as the goddess of love and beauty. Scientist and astrologers refer to Venus as the brightest planet. Millions had been dazzled by the beauty of this planet. Experts agree that due to unique atmosphere of Venus that helps trap the heat of the sun and contains it within the atmosphere. Since the heat of the sun can’t escape the atmosphere, it just stays on the planet and makes the temperatures rise. Venus also holds the record for the hottest atmosphere in the solar system.
Mercury on the other hand doesn’t have the natural gases and atmosphere on Venus. Still mercury can be very hot, but only during the day. When night comes, the temperature cools down a little. The gas that is mainly responsible for the so called ‘green house effect, in Venus is carbon dioxide. This gas is capable of harnessing and trapping the heat of the sun.
Carbon dioxide by nature is a colorless gas and it doesn’t have any odor. High concentrations of Carbon dioxide however can give you an acrid or acidic smell that can be very painful to the human body not to mention very deadly if exposed for a very long time.
Venus is very visible in the night sky because it is the brightest ‘heavenly body, that you can see next to the moon. It also goes by the name ‘North Star, or ‘Evening Star,. For centuries, Venus has been guiding sailors across the world during their expeditions on the open sea.
December 7, 2010 4:49 pm
This information is incorrect: “It also goes by the name “North Starâ€ÂÂ. For centuries, Venus has been guiding sailors across the world during their expeditions on the open sea.”
The North Star is Polaris. It is the one that is used for marine navigation because it is the closest star to the Northern Celesital Pole. Venus is only visible just before dawn or just after sunset, and would not be particularly useful for navigation.
Venus is often referred to as “The evening star” because it is seen just after sundown.