Observations and explorations of Venus

High school (ages 12+)
Space & Astronomy

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/observations-and-explorations-of-venus

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the radar mapping resolution?The Magellan mission achieved surface resolution of about 100-250 meters
2. What is the volcanic activity?Venus exhibits evidence of extensive, relatively recent volcanic resurfacing
3. What makes Venus so bright in the night sky?Venus is very close to the Sun and has thick clouds that reflect a lot of sunlight, so it shines brightly as the morning or evening star.
4. Why is Venus hotter than Earth?Venus has a thick layer of carbon dioxide that traps heat, creating a runaway greenhouse effect that keeps surface temperatures around 464°C (867°F).

Heliocentric Model: A model of the solar system where planets orbit the Sun.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): A radar technique used to create high-resolution images of surfaces, penetrating cloud cover.
Plate Tectonics: The theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into large plates that move, causing geological activity.