Home > School and Learning > By Subject > Science and Health > Astronomy > Our Solar System: In Order From the Sun

Slideshow Iconslideshows MORE

|

Our Solar System: In Order From the Sun

3 of 10
venus2

Venus


The second planet from the Sun is Venus--a planet similar in size and mass to Earth, which is why Venus is sometimes referred to as Earth's sister planet. The climates of Venus and Earth are completely different, however. Venus is a very hot place, due to its close proximity to the Sun and its very thick layers of clouds. When heat from the Sun reaches Venus, its massive cloud cover traps and keeps much of that heat within the planet. This trapping of the Sun's energy is called the greenhouse effect. Sound familiar?

Fun Fact: After the Sun and the Moon, Venus is the brightest object in Earth's sky.

Photo source: NASA

Next: Earth

Infoplease

Provided by Infoplease—an authoritative, comprehensive reference website that offers an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas, and several almanacs. Visit Infoplease.com to find more resources endorsed by teachers and librarians.

stay connected

Sign up for our free email newsletters and receive the latest advice and information on all things parenting.

Enter your email address to sign up or manage your account.

Facebook icon Twitter icon Follow Us on Pinterest

editor’s picks

highlights

10 Ways to Deal with Temper Tantrums
Temper tantrums are an inevitable part of being parent. Read on for 10 sanity-saving tantrum tips to help calm your child when he's in the throes of emotional turmoil.

8 Printable Thank-You Cards for Your Child's Teacher
Teaching is no walk in the park! Print any of these free printable thank-you cards for teachers to salute your favorite educators for all the hard work this school year.

Explore Funbrain Jr. with Your Preschooler
Looking for fun online games, adorable stories, and cool printables for preschoolers and kindergartners? Check out the new Funbrain Jr., a fun place to learn for children ages 2 to 6.

Award-Winning Apps for Kids of All Ages
Looking for high quality apps for your toddler, preschooler, or school-age child? These 16 award-winning educational apps help kids of all ages learn a thing or two during tech time.

Summer Learning: 11 Everyday Ways to Learn Math
Summertime is a great time to teach your child how math plays a part in his everyday life. These 11 everyday ways to learn math are fun and educational, and will help him see how this subject plays into real life.