Planet # WMY100121s
by Walter Myers - © Walter Myers / Stocktrek Images - Stocktrek Images
Earth and Venus without atmospheres
Artist's concept showing Earth and Venus without their atmospheres. While Venus is roughly the same size and density as the Earth, it is otherwise a very different world. Earth's surface is a varied one, with liquid water covering three quarters of its surface. Those areas not under water have been highly modified by plate tectonics, weather, and life itself. Venus on the other hand is far too hot to host liquid water. Volcanoes, massive lava flows and the occasional impact crater characterize its surface.