Updated September 18, 2016. Definition. An aphorism is a tersely phrased statement of a truth or opinion, or a brief statement of a principle. Adjective: aphoristic. Also known as (or similar to) a saying, maxim, adage, saw, dictum, and precept.
The first successful flyby of Venus was performed by NASAâs Mariner 2 spacecraft on 14 December 1962, following failed attempts by both the Soviet Union and the USA. The first successful landing was the Soviet Venera 4 lander, which touched down on the surface on 18 October 1967.
The mission will complete what NASA calls the reconnaissance of the classical solar system, and it makes the U.S. the first nation to send a space probe to every planet from Mercury to Pluto. The probe has traveled more than 3 billion miles to reach Pluto.