Venus is known as the Morning Star. It is often labeled so because it is one of the brightest objects visible in the sky, shining brightly both shortly before sunrise and just after sunset. Venus is the second planet from the Sun and is similar in size and composition to Earth, though it has a dense atmosphere primarily composed of carbon dioxide and thick clouds of sulfuric acid. This atmosphere traps heat, causing Venus to be the hottest planet in our solar system. Its bright appearance is due to the reflection of sunlight by its thick clouds, making it a prominent feature in the dawn and dusk skies.