Named for the Roman goddess of love, Earth’s nearest planetary neighbor was long thought to be much like the Earth. Venus is similar in size and density to the earth, and for many years we had hoped that life could call it home. However, beneath its calm, sweeping cloud tops, its true nature is concealed. At its surface, the pressure is crushing, and the air is hot enough to melt lead. Perhaps this hostile world is better described as Earth’s evil twin, or perhaps it has more in common with other worlds.