Mariner 2 passes Venus 50 years ago today (1962)

Video: Dec. 14, 1962 (at 2:04)

(Friday, December 14, 1962; part of the Mariner program) — The U.S. space probe Mariner 2 passed Venus today at a distance of just over 21,000 miles, transmitting information about the planet, such as its hot surface temperatures and predominantly carbon dioxide atmosphere.