Summary
The paper compiles much of the known information about Earth and Venus. It also describes Venus as an anchor point from which scientists can better understand the conditions that preclude life on planets around other stars. The paper advocates for missions to Venus for two main reasons. One is the ability, with better data, to use Venus to ensure life on farther-flung planets are correct.
The other reason to research Venus is that it offers a preview of what Earth's future could look like. "It can happen to us. It's a question of how and when," Kane said. "We are only going to get that right by properly understanding the Earth-size planets we can visit"
