The main unsolved question about the atmosphere of Venus is precisely the reason why it super-rotates much faster than the solid planet, Garate-Lopez said. The relationship between the oddly moving atmosphere and the vortices also remains a mystery. The cyclone sits 26 miles (42 km) above the surface of the planet. No rain falls from the towering storm, because the planet's atmosphere evaporates all particles within 22 miles (35 km) of the ground.
Teachers generally accept lower base salaries in exchange for future pension benefits, and the plans are funded in part through contributions that are considered part of their pay packages. Such plans are expensive: roughly 1 in 10 dollars spent on education nationwide goes toward teacher retirement benefits. Pension contributions amount to 17 percent of a teacherâs salary, on average, or more than $1,100 per student nationwide (see Figure 1). Those amounts have grown sharply in recent years to historic highs, and contributions to teacher pensions are higher than in any other profession. These types of pension plans do offer teachers some advantages.
Last year, state teacher pension systems had $499 billion in unfunded liabilities. That figure is up $100 billion in the two years since the groupâs last report. On average, thatâs about $10,000 in pension debt for each school-age child in the country. The teachersâ unions argue that the best way to get and keep good teachers is to promise them lifetime benefits after 25 or 30 years on the job. Stick with the job long enough and the money rolls in.