Question 12 of 15 \[ \begin{array}{l}\text { Why does Earth have a liquid water supply and Venus does not? } \\ \text { A. Venus doès not have strong enough gravity. } \\ \text { B. Sediment } \\ \text { C. Earth has moderate temperatures. } \\ \text { D. Venus is much larger than Earth. }\end{array} \]

Earth's ability to maintain liquid water is largely due to its optimal distance from the Sun, which places it in the "Goldilocks Zone"—not too hot, not too cold! This means that the temperatures are just right for water to exist in its liquid state, while Venus, being closer to the Sun, experiences extreme heat that causes any water to evaporate. Additionally, Earth has an atmosphere composed of nitrogen and oxygen, which helps regulate temperature and maintain stable conditions for water. In contrast, Venus has a thick atmosphere filled with carbon dioxide, leading to a runaway greenhouse effect, making the planet inhospitable for liquid water. So, next time you sip your drink, remember that Earth’s perfect positioning and cozy atmosphere are what keep it a wet and wonderful planet!