Which planet is known for its extreme wind speeds?

Neptune is known for its extreme wind speeds, making it the answer to this question. The planet experiences some of the fastest winds in the solar system, with speeds reaching as high as 1,200 miles per hour (or about 2,000 kilometers per hour). These fierce winds occur in its upper atmosphere, driven by its internal heat and dynamic weather patterns.

Neptune's wind speeds are particularly notable because they occur despite the planet being far from the Sun, where temperatures are significantly lower than those on the inner planets. The combination of its distance, large size, and atmospheric composition leads to these extreme weather phenomena. The planet’s thick atmosphere composed mainly of hydrogen, helium, and methane contributes to the strong winds and storm systems.

In contrast, while Venus has a thick atmosphere with high-speed winds, these are not quite as extreme as Neptune's. Earth experiences strong winds as well, but they are not on the same scale as those found on Neptune. Mercury, being the closest planet to the Sun, has a very thin atmosphere, which limits any significant wind effects. Thus, Neptune stands out in the solar system for its extraordinary wind speeds.