[An Explanation] Venus: Why is there increased terraforming when compared to other celestial bodies in Destiny?

I have seen numerous questions regarding the increased terraforming of Venus when compared to other celestial bodies in this game and would like to share an explanation. Please note that while what I say is theoretical/factual in the real world, it is not, or was not, necessarily that of the designers intentions for the game world.

Venus is often referred to as the sister of Earth. It is the closest in distance, size and material makeup, and it can theoretically support life. Please note that I said can support life, not that it used to be able to support life (e.g. Mars). It is, however, the hottest planet in the solar system. This is caused by a few reasons:

1. Constant volcanic activity creating a dense layer of greenhouse gases that, when you have no plant life to process said gases, increases temporatures dramatically, and,

2. Has an axial orbit known as "Retrograde Rotation". Planets generally tranel around the sun (Years) in an anti-clockwise motion, and spin on their on axis in the same direction (days). While Venus travels around the sun in an anti-clockwise motion such as the earth, venus spins on its axis in a clockwise motion. So instead of "rolling" around the sun, venus has a back spin. This causes the side of venus facing the sun to have prolonged exposure and increases the length of the day.Fun fact, a Venusian sidereal day is longer than a Venusian year (243 versus 224.7 Earth days). This retrograde rotation also affects the core activity resulting in much of the volcanic activity described above.

The cool thing about Venus is that the axial rotation is slowing down and, given enough time, will eventually start rotating in an anti-clockwise manner similar to the earth. Once it's 'speed' increases to an earth like level, it will have a similar temperature to the earth, just slightly warmer, and can then support life. The problem is, the sun will burn out long before this happens.

So, why does venus appear to have more terraforming than the other planets? Because it is the easiest terraforming to support. If the Traveler simply "fixed" Venus' axial rotation, then most of the terraforming would have happened naturally (with the introduction of organisms by earth and alien visitors). The Traveler wouldn't have to work as hard to correct the atmosphere, temperature, and many other of the habitable zone factors.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/02/120214-venus-planets-slower-spin-esa-space-science/