Class: Planet (orbiting Sol)
The hottest planet in our Solar System (462°C) due to greenhouse effect.
The brightest object after the Sun & Moon, partly because its clouds are very reflective.
Phases.
Probably had oceans in the past, may have evaporated and contributed to atmosphere. UV light split H20 into H2 and O. Being light, H2 molecules were lost into space, making the evaporation irreversable.
500 million years ago Venus was apparently resurfaced in a volcanic frenzy that happens perioidically due to internal temperature buildup (no water = no plate tectonics = no heat release).