What is the hottest planet in our solar system?

Venus: The Hottest Planet

Venus reigns supreme as the hottest planet in our solar system, despite not being the closest to the Sun (Mercury holds that title). Its scorching temperatures are primarily due to a runaway greenhouse effect.

  • Surface Temperature: The average surface temperature on Venus is a staggering 464°C (867°F). This is hot enough to melt lead!
  • Atmosphere: Venus has a very dense atmosphere, primarily composed of carbon dioxide (carbon%20dioxide). This thick atmosphere traps heat from the Sun, causing the extreme temperatures.
  • Greenhouse Effect: The runaway greenhouse%20effect on Venus is far more extreme than what we experience on Earth. The thick atmosphere prevents heat from escaping into space.
  • Clouds: Venus has thick clouds made of sulfuric acid (sulfuric%20acid), which further contribute to the planet's high reflectivity and contribute to the greenhouse effect.
  • Rotation: Venus has a very slow rotation period, taking 243 Earth days to rotate once on its axis. It also rotates in the opposite direction (retrograde rotation) compared to most other planets in our solar system.