Which planetary atmosphere exhibits the fastest recorded wind speeds in the Solar System, reaching up to 2,100 km/h (nearly supersonic speeds)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Neptune
- Step 1: Voyager 2 measurements during its 1989 flyby revealed that Neptune's azure upper atmosphere generates sustained winds blowing westward at up to 2,100 km/h.
- Step 2: Because Neptune receives only 1/900th of the sunlight that Earth does, atmospheric turbulence is low, allowing fluid jet streams to accelerate with minimal friction.
Answer
Neptune
Why not the others: 'Jupiter' Jupiter's atmospheric jet streams and Great Red Spot reach high speeds of around 400 to 500 km/h, far below Neptune; 'Saturn' Saturn's equatorial winds reach impressive speeds of up to 1,800 km/h, but Neptune's winds are the fastest recorded; 'Venus' Venus exhibits upper atmosphere super-rotation of about 360 km/h, while its surface winds are gentle breezes under 10 km/h.
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