text: First of all, the author says that Venus may have once been the most Earth-like planet in our solar system. In the text, it says, "Venus is the closest planet to Earth in terms of density and size, and occasionally the closest in distance too." Venus is or once was clearly somewhat similar to Earth, and that will help scientists to be able to find out information about our own planet along with another planet that may seem the most reasonable to study. In the text, it also says,"Astronomers are fascinated by Venus because it may well once have been the most Earth-like planet in our solar system. Long ago, Venus was probabnly covered largely with oceans and could have supported various forms of life, just like Earth. Today, Venus still has some features that are analogous to those on Earth. The planet has a surface of rocky sediment and includes familiar features such as valleys, mountains, and craters." All of these characteristics of Venus make the planet more interesting and reasonable for studying. Considering the fact that the planet is very similar to Earth, the planet may also give us insight of our own planet, with the similarities that can and have already been drawn.