Why humans can't live on planet Venus

Welcome to Venus, the scorching hell of our solar system. Step onto the surface of this seemingly Earth-like twin, but be prepared for an otherworldly experience like no other.

Venus, our nearest neighbor at its closest, sits a mere 40 million kilometers away from Earth. However, it's anything but welcoming. Over four and a half billion years ago, both Venus and Earth formed in the same corner of the solar system. But while Earth thrived with life, Venus transformed into a nightmarish inferno.

Throughout history, we've sent a series of probes to unveil its mysteries. Some orbited, some flew by, and a few even dared to touch down on this deadly planet. But the fate of these brave machines was grim – crushed by the hostile environment in mere minutes.

As you embark on your mission, descending through the thick atmosphere, the view outside the spacecraft will be obscured by clouds of sulfuric acid. These yellowish bands paint a beautiful yet toxic scene, releasing the reek of rotten eggs. It's a reminder of the challenges you'll face if you remove your helmet.

At 50 kilometers above the surface, visibility is poor. The tens of thousands of volcanoes dotting the landscape would be hidden from view. Venus's atmosphere is predominantly composed of carbon dioxide, trapping heat on the surface and making it a toasty nightmare.

The heat only intensifies as you descend another 15 kilometers. The haze begins to clear, revealing a rugged and mountainous terrain colored in hues of rust. Volcanoes spew molten lava, a testament to the planet's extreme nature.

Amidst the sweltering environment, you'd land your spacecraft, kicking up clouds of dust that take minutes to settle. As the atmosphere clears, you'd look up, only to find a perpetual dawn. Venus's thick clouds reflect a mere 10 percent of the sunlight, creating an everlasting, eerie half-light.

Remember Venera 13, the Soviet probe that lasted an impressive 127 minutes back in 1981? Your mission aims to surpass that, spending a mere five seconds on this unforgiving surface. It's an hour-long landing, but you've come this far.

Stepping outside, you'd feel the immense pressure crushing you, making simple movements feel like walking through water. Venus's gravity is similar to Earth's, but its immensely dense air creates an overpowering weight. Clad in your protective suit, you brave the 475 degrees Celsius heat, hot enough to melt lead.

The suit works tirelessly to keep you safe, maintaining the air pressure you need to survive. Without it, you'd be crushed instantly under the atmospheric pressure. And then, there's the atmosphere itself, devoid of any life-sustaining oxygen. Inhale, and your throat and lungs would scald instantly.

As you take those few steps on Venus's surface, your historic moment is disrupted – your suit breaks. The pressure becomes unbearable, and the air burns your skin. Survival now hinges on reaching the spacecraft as quickly as possible.

Above, sulfuric acid clouds rain acid, but that's the least of your worries. Within seconds, the crushing pressure and lack of oxygen would bring your mission to a tragic end.

Reflecting on this perilous journey, it's evident that Venus is a planet that humankind is not yet equipped to explore directly. Perhaps it's best to focus on terraforming this extreme world into a more hospitable planet before venturing there again.

Your journey ends here. Farewell from the treacherous realms of Venus.