What is the hottest planet in the solar system

The story behind the answer

Venus is the hottest planet because its thick atmosphere—over 96% carbon dioxide with clouds of sulfuric acid—creates an extreme greenhouse effect. Sunlight gets in, but the heat can’t escape, pushing surface temperatures to about 465°C (869°F), hotter than Mercury even though Mercury is closer to the Sun and has no insulating atmosphere.

Interesting twist: Venus is very bright in our sky because its clouds reflect most sunlight, yet its dense “thermal blanket” traps heat efficiently. Surface pressure is about 92 times Earth’s, like being nearly a kilometer underwater. Memory tip: “Venus’ veil” (its thick cloud veil) keeps the heat sealed in. It’s a planetary cautionary tale of runaway greenhouse warming and a natural laboratory for understanding climate processes.