Latest news with #Venusian
National Geographic
5 days ago
- Science
- National Geographic
Venus, explained
Quadruple Conjunction The moon, Venus, Mars, and the star Spica appear in a quadruple conjunction as seen from Azul, Argentina. From its scorching temperatures to its oddball rotation, there's a lot to learn about the second planet from the sun. On September 14, 2020, scientists announced the possible detection of phosphine gas in the clouds of Venus. It's too early to say what's creating the gas, but if the result is confirmed, one possibility is that it was made by microbial life floating in the planet's thick atmosphere. Find out more about the tantalizing, if controversial, finding here. The first spacecraft to set mechanical feet on another planet landed on Venus. In the 1960s and '70s, the former Soviet Union's Venera probes plunged through the planet's punishing atmosphere, with a handful even sending back data from its rocky surface. In December 1970, for instance, the Venera 8 lander transmitted atmospheric data for more than 50 minutes after its turbulent touchdown. These early missions provided an important lesson: Venus is like a massive pressure cooker. Although the planet is the second closest planet to the sun, it's by far the hottest of the eight worlds in our solar system. Its thick atmosphere is mostly made of carbon dioxide with clouds of sulfuric acid, which traps the sun's heat and creates a runaway greenhouse effect. Thanks to this atmospheric blanket, temperatures on Venus' surface can soar over 880 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt lead. The surface pressure is around 90 times that on Earth, which would feel like standing under about a half a mile of water. Wintertime doesn't even provide a reprieve from the heat. With an axial tilt of three degrees, Venus has just one season: hot. The only planet named after a female figure, Venus is a celestial oddball. Though its rocks are shades of grey, its atmosphere imparts an eerie orange glow to the landscape. Together with Mercury, it's one of the few planets in our solar system without a moon. And like Uranus, it turns on its axis in the opposite direction to the rest of our celestial family. Due to this retrograde rotation, if you were to stand on Venus' surface, the sun would rise in the West and set in the East. But don't count on catching many Venusian sunsets; the planet turns stunningly slow. A single day there takes 243 Earth days—longer than a Venusian year, which lasts 225 Earth days. And because the planet rotates in the opposite direction as its orbit, 117 Earth days pass between each sunrise and sunset. Hellish Earth twin Despite the strange and scorching conditions, Venus shares a surprising number of features with Earth. Measuring 7,520 miles across, Venus is roughly the same diameter as our home planet. It also has a similar structure, sporting a rocky surface and an iron core, although the planet doesn't rotate fast enough to generate an Earth-like magnetic field. Thousands of volcanoes dot Venus' surface, some of which may still be active. Volcanic rock from cooled lava covers most of its surface—the oldest of which dates back some 500 million years. Many mountains also rise into Venusian skies. Its largest, dubbed Maxwell Montes, stands 36,000 feet tall. The processes driving the formation of this network of formations is unusual, however. Venus doesn't appear to harbor a churning seismic engine like that on Earth, which drives our bumper-car network of tectonic plates. Yet the planet does appear to have a spidery network of breaks in its surface, hinting at an entirely new type of plate tectonics. Scientists suspect that for up to two billion years after it formed, the planet may have even been habitable—harboring liquid oceans on its surface. Fascination with what drove that transition from happy to hellish has led many scientists to campaign for more robotic visits to Venus. Light bringer Venus' dense cloud cover has benefits for us Earthlings. It reflects the sun's rays, making the planet the brightest in the night sky. It's often called the morning star or evening star because its bright, steady glow persists either around sunrise or sunset. Ancient peoples spotted these dazzling points in the sky and believed them to be two different objects, one that glows in the morning and another that glows in the evening. Similar to Mercury, Venus can occasionally be seen making a lazy trip across the sun's face, known as a transit. But while Mercury zips across the sun every 13 to 14 years, Venus transits are much more rare. The planet's orbit is almost a perfect circle but is slightly tipped relative to Earth's path around our star. This means it's incredibly hard for the sun, Venus, and Earth to align in the right way. The last time a transit of Venus happened was in 2012, and it won't happen again until 2117. Magazine for all ages starting at $25/year
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Venus Homecoming on June 29: What it means for your zodiac love language
On June 29, 2025, Venus—the planet of love, beauty, and values—transits into Taurus, the sign it rules. This is a cosmic homecoming. When Venus is in Taurus, love becomes tangible, grounded, and deeply sensual. This isn't a time for fast flings or fleeting flirtations. It's a moment when romantic energies slow down, inviting us to savour our relationships, rediscover stability, and express affection in more tactile, heartfelt ways. Whether you're single, dating, or partnered, this transit encourages you to align with what truly feels good and secure in love. But here's where it gets even more interesting: Pairing this transit with the love languages offers a unique lens for understanding how each zodiac sign experiences and expresses love during this Venusian moment. Let's explore how the June 29 Venus transit in Taurus influences your love language, based on your sun sign. Aries For Aries, Venus transiting Taurus shifts focus from bold romantic declarations to subtle yet grounding gestures. You're used to excitement and action, but this energy invites a slower, more thoughtful connection. During this period, you'll find that Quality Time becomes essential. Shared experiences—like cooking dinner together, tackling a creative home project, or simply spending time without distractions—will bring you closer to those you love. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Philippines: Don't Miss Out on These Amazing Sofa Deals at Clearance Prices Luxury Sofa | Search ads Undo Taurus Venus is at home in your sign, Taurus, which means you're in your romantic element. You naturally crave comfort, consistency, and beauty in your relationships, and this transit enhances your earthy, sensual qualities. Physical Touch becomes your dominant love language—hugs, massages, hand-holding, and even shared physical activities like dancing or cuddling on the couch feel especially fulfilling. Receiving Gifts also resonates strongly now, but not in a superficial way. Small, thoughtful gifts that appeal to your senses—a scented candle, artisanal chocolate, or a soft blanket—are ways to feel cherished and secure. Gemini Gemini, your mind is always on the move, but Venus in Taurus urges you to slow down and connect with your emotional world. You'll notice a growing need for calm, sincere conversations and heartfelt reassurances. Your primary love language during this transit is Words of Affirmation. Expressing and hearing loving, validating words becomes more important than ever. Compliments, encouragement, and sweet notes can make your heart flutter. Meanwhile, Quality Time gains importance too. You may find that quiet, uninterrupted moments with someone, no distractions, just focused attention, make you feel more loved than ever. Cancer For Cancer, this Venus transit feels nourishing. It activates your desire to connect more deeply with loved ones, especially through intimacy and familiarity. Physical Touch becomes your comfort zone—snuggles on the couch, a warm hand on the shoulder, or dancing in the kitchen. These seemingly small gestures carry immense emotional weight for you during this time. Quality Time also matters greatly. Your emotional world craves shared experiences—whether that's cooking, watching movies, or engaging in nostalgic activities that remind you of your roots. Leo Leo, Venus in Taurus shines a spotlight on your need to be appreciated, especially when it comes to career, status, and recognition in relationships. This period makes you especially receptive to Words of Affirmation. You want to be seen and acknowledged for all the love and effort you pour into others. Praise, admiration, and heartfelt compliments are your emotional fuel right now. At the same time, Receiving Gifts becomes a love language that's more activated. You don't want materialism—you want meaning. A small, intentional gift that says 'I see you' or 'I thought of you' will go a long way. Virgo Virgo, Venus in Taurus offers a grounded, peaceful energy that matches your love for simplicity and structure. You're most comfortable expressing love through Acts of Service, and during this transit, that language becomes even more potent. Making someone's tea, running an errand, or preparing a meal communicates volumes to you and from you. Still, Words of Affirmation play a significant secondary role now. Though you're often humble about your own needs, you'll appreciate hearing that your efforts are noticed and valued. Libra Libra, ruled by Venus, naturally gravitates toward harmony and beauty. With Venus in grounded Taurus, your romantic instincts get more tactile and emotionally centred. Quality Time becomes the love language that feels most authentic to you now. You're drawn to spending real, focused time with your loved ones—no multitasking, just being present. Words of Affirmation are also key. You crave intellectual and emotional balance, so meaningful conversation and verbal expressions of love deepen your bonds. Honest, compassionate communication will be the glue that keeps relationships strong during this earthly Venus season. Scorpio Scorpio, this Venus transit lights up your house of partnerships, intensifying your desire for emotional depth and physical intimacy. You'll feel drawn to deeper bonding through Physical Touch—whether it's steamy passion or quiet affection. Your connection thrives when you and your partner are physically close and emotionally attuned. Quality Time also speaks to your soul right now. Not just any time together—intentional time. This means deep talks, spiritual connection, and shared experiences that foster mutual vulnerability. Trust is your currency, and during this transit, you build it best through emotional presence and physical closeness. Sagittarius Adventurous Sagittarius, Venus in Taurus may slow your pace just enough for you to recognise the value of consistency and thoughtful action in relationships. You'll find that Acts of Service resonate more now—someone helping you out in a tangible way can feel just as romantic as a getaway. Physical Touch is your second love language during this transit. Even with your restless nature, you crave grounding affection, like a long hug after a chaotic day or casual, comforting touches that say 'I'm here. ' Use this time to find intimacy in the simple, unspoken gestures. Capricorn Capricorn, Venus in Taurus aligns beautifully with your need for reliability, structure, and results in love. You find the most meaning in Acts of Service—practical love that builds a strong foundation. This could mean helping each other with tasks, managing finances, or offering dependable support. Simultaneously, Quality Time becomes essential. Despite your often-busy schedule, this period nudges you to slow down and enjoy life's little pleasures with someone special. A walk in nature, a shared goal, or even a quiet evening reading side-by-side can bring you a powerful sense of love and contentment. Aquarius Aquarius, you're known for your independent and cerebral approach to love, but Venus in Taurus nudges you to root your relationships in more tangible, comforting ways. Receiving Gifts becomes an activated love language, especially when the gifts reflect thoughtfulness and uniqueness—think handmade art or a book you'd love. Quality Time also becomes more vital. While you may not always crave constant closeness, you'll appreciate time spent on mutual interests or collaborative projects. Whether you're planting a garden or building something together, the shared focus makes you feel emotionally connected. Pisces Pisces, this Venus transit supports your dreamy, romantic nature with an extra touch of grounding. You're naturally emotional and intuitive, but now you crave love that is spoken and tangible. Words of Affirmation help you feel safe and seen. Gentle praise, loving texts, and spiritual conversations hit deeper now. Receiving Gifts also feels more meaningful than usual. Not expensive things—just thoughtful tokens that show care and emotional understanding. A journal, a piece of jewellery with symbolic meaning, or a handwritten letter could leave you floating. In this season, love needs to feel poetic, intentional, and secure. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be worried?
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned in new research. The giant space rocks are believed to be traveling in tandem with Venus as the planet orbits the sun, eluding our detection by staying hidden in the sun's glare. Because their orbits are unstable, a possibility exists – however remote – that the asteroids could break off from their current trajectory and one day head on a collision course for Earth. The findings are just the latest instance in which asteroids have gotten some ominous publicity in 2025. Earlier this year, an asteroid dubbed 2024 YR4 became infamous when astronomers briefly calculated a historically high chance of it impacting Earth. In that case, there was no reason to panic, as YR4 was ultimately ruled out as a threat. And there's likely no cause for alarm in this latest case, either. Rather, the team of researchers led by Valerio Carruba, an assistant professor at São Paolo University in Brazil, simply hopes to raise awareness among astronomers and attract more scientific interest in the asteroids. Here's what to know about the Venusian asteroids, and just how concerned you should be about whether there's any immediate danger of a collision with Earth. The second planet from the sun, Venus is sometimes called Earth's twin because it is not only our closest planetary neighbor, but similar in structure and size to our planet. Astronomers who authored the new research recently discovered around at least 20 asteroids around Venus. The space rocks are known as co-orbital asteroids because they orbit the sun alongside the planet without orbiting Venus itself. The asteroids are theorized to have most likely originated from debris in the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. And astronomers think that because they're obscured from our view, there are most likely more of them yet to be discovered. Because they're at least 460 feet wide, the Venusian space rocks are large enough to be considered "city killers" – a size that would make them perfectly capable of doing some pretty serious damage to a populated area if given the chance. That moniker may be alarming, and it may have contributed to some of the sensationalistic media coverage the researchers' findings have attracted in tabloid publications. The New York Post, for instance, claimed Earth could be hit by the asteroids "within weeks." Rest assured, nothing in the study concretely supports such a wild assertion. But because these hidden asteroids can change their trajectories relative to Venus, it's possible they could be diverted on a path toward Earth sometime in the coming millennia. To reach their conclusions, the researchers conducted a series of computer simulations to determine whether any potential hidden asteroid circling Venus could threaten Earth in the future. This involved constructing replica computer models of the known co-orbital asteroids around Venus and observing their orbits across 36,000 years. The astronomers believe that new observational tools, like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory under construction in Chile, could help detect some of these asteroids in the future. The observatory, due to become operational in 2025, is set to scan the sky for 10 years. The researchers also advocate for dedicated missions to hunt for Venusian asteroids. The findings, uploaded May 21 to the preprint server arXiv and is undergoing peer review after it was submitted to the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics. YR4 and its much larger cousin, the equally infamous Apophis were the most alarming space rocks astronomers have discovered and studied for decades. Now that they have been ruled out as threats to Earth, astronomers still studying such imposing space rocks could help the world's space agencies prepare to mount a planetary defense if the need ever arose. NASA and the European Space Agency bot had plans to send uncrewed spacecraft to observe Apophis in the years ahead to map and study its surface to gain further insights into near-Earth asteroids. However, NASA's mission is in jeopardy under President Donald Trump's budget. Protecting Earth from incoming space rocks could look a little like the test NASA pulled off in 2022 when it demonstrated that it was possible to nudge an incoming asteroid out of harm's way by slamming a spacecraft into one as part of its Double Asteroid Redirection Test, or DART. As of October, a craft from the European Space Agency is on the way to get an up-close look at the asteroid's remnants. NASA is additionally working on an asteroid-hunting telescope known as the NEO Surveyor to find near-Earth objects capable of causing significant damage. Now set to launch no earlier than 2027, the telescope is designed to discover 90% of asteroids and comets that are 460 feet in size or larger and come within 30 million miles of Earth's orbit. Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Earth, asteroids threat? Venus may be hiding 'killer' asteroids
USA Today
06-06-2025
- Science
- USA Today
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be worried?
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be worried? The giant space rocks are believed to be traveling in tandem with Venus as the planet orbits the sun, eluding our detection by staying hidden in the sun's glare. A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned in new research. The giant space rocks are believed to be traveling in tandem with Venus as the planet orbits the sun, eluding our detection by staying hidden in the sun's glare. Because their orbits are unstable, a possibility exists – however remote – that the asteroids could break off from their current trajectory and one day head on a collision course for Earth. The findings are just the latest instance in which asteroids have gotten some ominous publicity in 2025. Earlier this year, an asteroid dubbed 2024 YR4 became infamous when astronomers briefly calculated a historically high chance of it impacting Earth. In that case, there was no reason to panic, as YR4 was ultimately ruled out as a threat. And there's likely no cause for alarm in this latest case, either. Rather, the team of researchers led by Valerio Carruba, an assistant professor at São Paolo University in Brazil, simply hopes to raise awareness among astronomers and attract more scientific interest in the asteroids. Here's what to know about the Venusian asteroids, and just how concerned you should be about whether there's any immediate danger of a collision with Earth. What to know about Venus, asteroids The second planet from the sun, Venus is sometimes called Earth's twin because it is not only our closest planetary neighbor, but similar in structure and size to our planet. Astronomers who authored the new research recently discovered around at least 20 asteroids around Venus. The space rocks are known as co-orbital asteroids because they orbit the sun alongside the planet without orbiting Venus itself. The asteroids are theorized to have most likely originated from debris in the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. And astronomers think that because they're obscured from our view, there are most likely more of them yet to be discovered. Do asteroids near Venus pose a threat to Earth? Because they're at least 460 feet wide, the Venusian space rocks are large enough to be considered "city killers" – a size that would make them perfectly capable of doing some pretty serious damage to a populated area if given the chance. That moniker may be alarming, and it may have contributed to some of the sensationalistic media coverage the researchers' findings have attracted in tabloid publications. The New York Post, for instance, claimed Earth could be hit by the asteroids "within weeks." Rest assured, nothing in the study concretely supports such a wild assertion. But because these hidden asteroids can change their trajectories relative to Venus, it's possible they could be diverted on a path toward Earth sometime in the coming millennia. How might astronomers find more co-orbital asteroids? To reach their conclusions, the researchers conducted a series of computer simulations to determine whether any potential hidden asteroid circling Venus could threaten Earth in the future. This involved constructing replica computer models of the known co-orbital asteroids around Venus and observing their orbits across 36,000 years. The astronomers believe that new observational tools, like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory under construction in Chile, could help detect some of these asteroids in the future. The observatory, due to become operational in 2025, is set to scan the sky for 10 years. The researchers also advocate for dedicated missions to hunt for Venusian asteroids. The findings, uploaded May 21 to the preprint server arXiv and is undergoing peer review after it was submitted to the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics. How might NASA, other agencies mount a planetary defense? YR4 and its much larger cousin, the equally infamous Apophis were the most alarming space rocks astronomers have discovered and studied for decades. Now that they have been ruled out as threats to Earth, astronomers still studying such imposing space rocks could help the world's space agencies prepare to mount a planetary defense if the need ever arose. NASA and the European Space Agency bot had plans to send uncrewed spacecraft to observe Apophis in the years ahead to map and study its surface to gain further insights into near-Earth asteroids. However, NASA's mission is in jeopardy under President Donald Trump's budget. Protecting Earth from incoming space rocks could look a little like the test NASA pulled off in 2022 when it demonstrated that it was possible to nudge an incoming asteroid out of harm's way by slamming a spacecraft into one as part of its Double Asteroid Redirection Test, or DART. As of October, a craft from the European Space Agency is on the way to get an up-close look at the asteroid's remnants. NASA is additionally working on an asteroid-hunting telescope known as the NEO Surveyor to find near-Earth objects capable of causing significant damage. Now set to launch no earlier than 2027, the telescope is designed to discover 90% of asteroids and comets that are 460 feet in size or larger and come within 30 million miles of Earth's orbit. Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@
New York Post
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
When Venus enters Taurus this week, these 3 signs should trust in lust
On Friday, June 6, Venus, our planet of attraction, attachment and aesthetics, is trading the flaming codpiece of Aries for the brocade bathrobe of Taurus. Venus will loll around in these pleasured pastures until July 4. Named for the Roman goddess of love and fertility, Venus is the fine, divine feminine counterpart to aggro jockstrap warlord Mars. According to myth, Venus was born from sea foam and the severed member of Uranus, emerging fully formed and boobs busting out in a scallop shell — with pleasure as her governing principle. Venus in Taurus 2025 6 On June 6, Venus, our planet of attraction, attachment and aesthetics, is trading the flaming codpiece of Aries for the brocade bathrobe of Taurus. – As the planetary ruler of Taurus, this transit is Venus coming home and basking in the typical and the tactile. Here in the herd, the planet of love is rapturously incarnated. Earth is luscious, movement is languid, the body is an altar — and in lust we trust. Those born with Venus in Taurus are natural-born hedonists. The inclination here is to revel in the pleasures of the animal body; consuming and consumating are the orders of the day. If Venus in Taurus were a fabric, it would be velvet. Meaning of Venus in Taurus 6 Named for the goddess of love, Venus colors attraction and attachment, assets and aesthetics. wowinside – If Venus in Taurus were a sexual position, it would be 69, because everyone gets to feel good while lying down. Venus in Taurus wants the delicious and the dependable, something or someone steadfast, cash, and/or a fairy tale ending. In turn, this transit makes us hungry for the stable and the sensual: a devoted lover, a piece of fruit ripe and warm from the vine, a fistful of wildflowers, a lavish meal, an unhurried afternoon. For the video embodiment of Venus in Taurus, see the recording of 'Rich Girl,' performed by Hall and Oates circa 1977. In terms of aesthetics, Venus in Taurus is tactile luxury, statuary-inspired silhouettes, and a general invocation of a Renaissance painting. For evidence, see Venus in Taurus natives Lana Del Rey, Princess Diana, Deborah Harry and Megan Fox. The great lesson of Taurus is that pleasure cannot exist without presence. In the ugly, capitalist, 'more' motivated world in which we live and toil, pleasure is often cheapened to a quick thrill and disappearing dopamine; in other words, fast food and a swipe right. In velvet revolt, Venus in Taurus refuses to rush what feels good, as it's not waiting for what's next or distracted by what's been — it's hungry for right now and exactly what it already has. 6 Venus in Taurus calls to mind the image of the horned Egyptian goddess Hathor, the patron saint of fertility, joy, dancing, drunkenness and, above all, gratitude for what gratifies. Kristina – The underbelly of the Venusian bull is indulgence that begets inertia and desire that becomes polluted by possessiveness. We cross this threshold when we move from wanting to hold to needing to own. Venus in Taurus calls to mind the image of the horned Egyptian goddess Hathor, patron saint of fertility, joy, dancing, drunkenness, and above all, gratitude for what gratifies. With this in mind, we are all called to not only take what we need but to honor the source of its delivery, be it the body of another or the earth itself. While we'll all be under the influence of this decadent transit, three signs will feel the effects most acutely. Read for your sun and rising sign. 6 Knstart Studio – Venus has come home to your first of the self, Taurus. A wise friend shared with me her philosophy that, as humans, we are meant to consciously create, not unconsciously consume, and when we lean into the latter, we are not only starved of the meat of what matters, but destined for depression. As an embodied earth sign, a child of Venus, and ruler of the second house of values and valuables, this transit is here to remind you that the process of making is endlessly more nourishing than the state of having. 6 Knstart Studio – You love hard and hold tight, Scorpio, preferring suffering to severance. Yet, Venus in Taurus asks you to imagine that relationships can and should be a joyful pursuit, that devotion is not measured in sacrifices made but pleasure exchanged. In this sense, every disaster that has befallen you, every fissure in your delicate heart, has brought you to the brink of right now and the knowledge that love is not a thing to hold or be held down by, but a constant resource for renewal. 6 Knstart Studio – Ahoy, Sagittarius! In his poem 'The Body,' Charles Simic writes of the body as if it were a shore to be explored: This last continent Still to be discovered. My hand is dreaming, is building Its ship. For crew it takes A pack of bones, for food A beer-bottle full of blood. It knows the breath that blows north. With the breath from the west It will sail east each night. The scent of your body as it sleeps Are the land-birds sighted at sea. My touch is on the highest mast. It cries at four in the morning For a lantern to be lit On the rim of the world. As Venus in Taurus turns the lovelight on your sixth house of ritual, self-care and the body, I implore you to think of the latter, and the other, as a continent unto itself and devote yourself with a poet's ardor to your own edges. Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
