WHICH IS THE HOTTEST PLANET IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM?

Upon first consideration, one might hastily declare Mercury, the nearest planet to the Sun, as the hottest in our celestial neighborhood. However, delving a bit deeper into the intricate science of planetary temperatures reveals an unexpected twist – it's Venus that claims the title of the Solar System's hottest planet, not Mercury!  

Mercury, with its minimal size and close proximity to the Sun, is incapable of retaining an atmosphere. Any surrounding atmospheric layer would be promptly swept away by the potent solar wind. This lack of atmospheric insulation results in an extreme temperature contrast between Mercury's day and night sides. During the daylight hours, Mercury's surface temperature can skyrocket to a blistering 420°C. On the flip side, the temperature can plummet to a frigid -180°C in the darkness of Mercury's night. 

Now, let's turn our gaze to Venus. Unlike Mercury, Venus is enveloped by a dense atmosphere comprised of a whopping 96.5 percent carbon dioxide. This atmosphere is around 90 times denser than that of our home planet, Earth. The particular composition and immense density of Venus' atmosphere triggers a powerful greenhouse effect, causing the planet's surface temperature to soar to a scorching 465°C. 

In conclusion, despite its greater distance from the Sun compared to Mercury, it's Venus that reigns supreme as the hottest planet in our Solar System - a fascinating testament to the complex interplay of distance, atmosphere, and temperature in planetary science.

Sources: NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).