The brightest planet in the night sky is Venus. Often referred to as the "Evening Star" or "Morning Star," Venus shines brightly due to its thick, reflective atmosphere, which is composed of clouds of sulfuric acid. It is typically visible just after sunset or just before sunrise, making it one of the most easily recognized celestial objects. Venus' brightness can sometimes outshine stars, earning it its prominent place in the sky. Despite its beauty, Venus has inhospitable surface conditions, with extremely high temperatures and atmospheric pressure, making it quite different from Earth.