The hottest planet in the solar system — and why it’s probably not what you think – ZME Science

When it comes to the surface temperature of planets, distance to the Sun is the main factor, but it’s not the only one. Turns out, the atmosphere (and in some cases geological processes) can have a major impact.
This is why the hottest planet in the solar system isn’t Mercury (the closest to the Sun), but Venus — and the reason has to do with something we’re very familiar with: carbon dioxide.
Venus, in its terrifying glory. Image credits: NASA / JPL.
A familiar culprit: greenhouse gas
Venus…

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