Earth is an ocean world, with water covering about 71% of its surface. Venus, our closest planetary neighbor, is sometimes called Earth's twin based on their similar size and rocky composition. While its surface is baked and barren today,

Venus is infamous for its extreme conditions, including surface temperatures of about 500 degree Celsius and clouds of sulfuric acid. Despite the harsh conditions, some scientists had theorized that billions of years ago,

A team of astronomers has determined that Venus has never been capable of supporting life, countering decades of theories.

Today, planetary scientists suspect that scorching Venus is an active, erupting world, with lava pouring down some of its volcanic slopes. The surface is clearly inhospitable for life. But why don't these researchers think this planet — a rocky world about the same size of Earth — could have once hosted inviting environs,

Astronomers have speculated for decades that Venus could once have been remarkably similar to Earth – and might have been able to support life like our own planet