Why Does Venus Change Colors?
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Venus is Brownish-Red
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Venus, the second planet from the sun and the planet separating Earth from Mercury, is a planet composed mainly of brownish-red colored rocks. Similar to lava rocks on Earth, the rocks that compose the surface of Venus are devoid of water and largely shielded from the sun by a thick, cloudy atmosphere. Many photos taken of the planet by passing spacecraft reveal a somewhat reddish colored planet, though the planet's surface would likely have a somewhat different appearance under sunlight filtered through Earth's more familiar atmosphere.
Venus Has an Atmosphere
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The brownish-red, almost brick colored surface of Venus can cause it to appear dark red in color to casual observers, but it is more commonly viewed as a reddish-orange color because of the thick, soupy atmosphere surrounding the planet. Rather than being composed mainly of oxygen and hydrogen like the atmosphere on Earth, the principle component of the Venus atmosphere is carbon dioxide; this yellowish-colored layer of air is augmented by massive clouds of sulfuric acid that further taint the planet's color. Occasional acid storms on the planet, combined with an atmosphere rich in carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid may cause the planet to appear reddish-orange or even yellow to some observers.
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Earth's Own Atmosphere Can Affect the Appearance
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When an astronomer is viewing Venus from Earth, he must also keep in mind that Earth's own atmosphere may affect how the planet appears. As light reflected from Venus travels through Earth's atmosphere, particles of dust, dirt and chemicals may cause the planet to appear to shimmer, sparkle, or change color. In addition, small eddies in the atmosphere caused by air turbulence (both natural and man-made) can affect the appearance of Venus, further complicating the ability to effectively gauge the planet's color.
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