Venus is known as the earth's "twin" because the two planets are so similar in size. The diameter of Venus is about 7,520 miles (12,100 kilometers), approximately 400 miles (644 kilometers) smaller than that of the earth. No other planet comes nearer to the earth than Venus. At its closest approach, it is about 25.7 million miles (41.4 million kilometers) away.
As seen from the earth, Venus is brighter than any other planet or even any star. At certain times of the year, Venus is the first planet or star that can be seen in the western sky in the evening. At other times, it is the last planet or star that can be seen in the eastern sky in the morning. When Venus is near its brightest point, it can be seen in daylight.
Ancient astronomers called the object that appeared in the morning Phosphorus, and the object that appeared in the evening Hesperus (see EVENING STAR). Later, they realized these objects were the same planet. They named Venus in honor of the Roman goddess of love and beauty.
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