Why is Venus hotter than Mercury, when Mercury is closer to the Sun?

Venus and Earth share some atmospheric quirks – but how did Venus get so unbearably hot, while Earth is mild and temperate?

By: Vahe Peroomian, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: July 13, 2026

Words: 1,240

Last Updated: 1 week, 1 day ago

By Vahe Peroomian, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com.

Why is Venus the hottest planet, whereas Mercury is closer to the Sun? – Sejal M., age 7, Bangalore, India

When the solar system had just formed, 4.5 billion years ago, Venus was probably …

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