Which terrestrial planet has the highest temperature?

Which terrestrial planet has the highest temperature?

• A. Mercury
• B. Earth
• C. Mars
• D. Venus

Answer: (D)

Surface temperature on rocky planets is determined by how effectively their atmospheres trap heat. Venus has a very thick atmosphere rich in carbon dioxide, which creates an enormous greenhouse effect. This traps heat near the surface and prevents it from escaping back into space, so the planet becomes extremely hot—even hotter than the planet that is closest to the Sun. The average surface temperature on Venus is about 470°C (875°F). In contrast, Mercury has almost no atmosphere to keep heat in, so its surface temperature swings wildly—very hot during the day and very cold at night. Earth has a balanced greenhouse effect with oceans and land that moderate temperatures, and Mars has a thin atmosphere that offers little insulation, leading to cooler surface conditions. All of this makes Venus the hottest terrestrial planet.

Surface temperature on rocky planets is determined by how effectively their atmospheres trap heat. Venus has a very thick atmosphere rich in carbon dioxide, which creates an enormous greenhouse effect. This traps heat near the surface and prevents it from escaping back into space, so the planet becomes extremely hot—even hotter than the planet that is closest to the Sun. The average surface temperature on Venus is about 470°C (875°F).

In contrast, Mercury has almost no atmosphere to keep heat in, so its surface temperature swings wildly—very hot during the day and very cold at night. Earth has a balanced greenhouse effect with oceans and land that moderate temperatures, and Mars has a thin atmosphere that offers little insulation, leading to cooler surface conditions. All of this makes Venus the hottest terrestrial planet.