Here’s an image of Venus’ sign. Astronomers use different signs to signify each of the planets. This is a way they can refer to them in a research article, without having to write up the full name of each planet.
The Venus sign looks like a circle with a cross underneath it. It’s the same sign as the sign used for femininity, and it’s similar to the ankh symbol of ancient Egypt. Chemists also use this sign for the element copper. It’s possible that this symbol looks a bit like an ancient hand mirror, which were sometimes made of polished copper.
We’ve written lots of articles about the planetary signs. Here’s an article about the signs for all the planets, and here’s an article about the symbol for Mercury.
If you’d like more info on Venus, check out Hubblesite’s News Releases about Venus, and here’s a link to NASA’s Solar System Exploration Guide on Venus.
We’ve recorded an entire episode of Astronomy Cast all about Venus. Listen here, Episode 50: Venus.
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