It is difficult for us to imagine the size of space. It is incredibly huge, and there is an assumption that it is simply endless. So far, only guessing about what is happening outside of our Galaxy, mankind begins the study of outer space from those planets that are nearby. Modern advances in science and technology allow one way or another to comprehend planets close to the Earth.
At first, the closest attention was directed to the nearest space object - the Moon. After the satellite of the Earth has been sufficiently studied, it is time to expand horizons and get acquainted with the least distant planets of the solar system.
What is the closest planet to Earth?
Considering that the planets are not constantly in one place, but each move in its orbit, the distance from one planet to another is constantly changing. Those closest to the Earth are considered to be those celestial bodies whose orbits are in the neighborhood.
The closest "neighbors" of the Earth are the second planet from the Sun - Venus, and the fourth - Mars. But if you take into account the numerical indicators, then Venus is still closer. This planet can be located at a distance of 38 million km to 261 million km, depending on its location in orbit. Mars is as close as possible to our planet by 55.8 million km, and the maximum distance is about 401 million km. This confirms that the planet closest to Earth is Venus.
Nearest "neighbor" of the Earth
In our sky, Venus is the brightest space object after the Sun and Moon. Often she is called the twin sister of the Earth. The reason for this is the similarity of physical and some chemical characteristics.
The proximity of Venus to the Sun does not make it possible for people to master it. Clouds of sulfur swirling around the planet prevent its study from orbiting satellites. But still, scientists managed to get interesting information. The surface of the planet is covered by craters and volcanoes, some of them are still active. The atmosphere is 96% carbon dioxide.
Despite the fact that Venus is inhospitable and difficult to study, she is considered the patroness of all lovers and is named after the ancient Greek goddess of love.
What do we know about Mars?
Mars is not the closest planet to Earth, but it is at a relatively short distance, which becomes a good reason for its research. It is called the red planet because of the specific bright orange color of its surface. This shade is given by the iron oxides that make up the soil.
It has already been scientifically proven that there is water on the planet in the form of ice under a layer of soil. Some argue that humans can adapt to life on Mars by learning how to produce oxygen from the carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere. But the current level of development of engineering and technology does not even allow you to try to translate this into reality.
How does a person study planets close to the earth?
A thick fog envelops Venus, this gives rise to speculation about the existence of water on it. None of the devices that were sent to investigate the nearest "neighbor" of the Earth, could not be on its surface. All of them burned in the atmosphere of the planet. But, despite the fact that the temperature of Venus exceeds 400 degrees Celsius, scientists continue to make attempts to send a space station closer to its surface, which could give more information.
Mars is better studied than the planet closest to the earth, Venus. It was possible to successfully use four rovers to study the red planet. Two of them function to this day. These are automatic spacecraft that are remotely controlled. They move on the surface of Mars and transmit photo and video materials to the Earth. This equipment also collects data on the composition of the planet’s atmosphere, the structure of its soil, and other information needed by cosmologists.
Studying the nearest planets, we hope that someday man will be able to make interplanetary expeditions and comprehend all the secrets of uncharted space.