Why is Venus hotter than Mercury, when Mercury is closer to the sun? - Live Science
Venus is hotter than Mercury despite being further from the sun due to its thick, heat-trapping atmosphere and high reflectivity. Experts explain that planetary temperature is determined by atmospheric composition and geological history rather than just distance from a star.
Why it matters
Understanding planetary atmospheres helps scientists better model climate change and the potential for habitability on other planets.
Despite being farther from the sun, Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system, and the reason has little to do with proximity to a star.
By Olivia Maule Edited by Ben Turner , Laura Mondrag n Published 12 September 2026 In Features When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works .
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