It can be called the morning or evening star, depending on where you are or what time it is, but it is anything but a star. In fact, it is one of our nearest planetary neighbours. Venus and Mars may be Earth’s close cousins, but they are oh-so different. Only now are we starting to peer through Venus’ clouds to reveal the burning planet’s secrets.

Find out more about Venus and what we’ve learnt from Venus Express, and discover how ESA plans to observe the planet as it transits across the face of the Sun on 5-6 June.