Neptune
The Windiest Planet
Neptune is the eighth and farthest planet from the Sun. It is an ice giant with the strongest winds in the solar system, reaching speeds of up to 2,100 km/h (1,300 mph). Neptune was the first planet discovered through mathematical prediction.
Key Facts About Neptune
- Diameter: 49,244 km (30,599 miles)
- Distance from Sun: 4.495 billion km (2.793 billion miles)
- Day length: 16.1 hours
- Year length: 164.8 Earth years
- Known Moons: 16
- Rings: 5 known rings
Extreme Winds
Neptune has the strongest sustained winds of any planet in the solar system. Wind speeds can exceed 2,100 km/h (1,300 mph). These supersonic winds create massive storm systems, including the Great Dark Spot observed by Voyager 2.
Discovery by Mathematics
Neptune was the first planet discovered through mathematical prediction rather than direct observation. In 1846, astronomers used gravitational calculations to predict its position, and it was found within 1 degree of the predicted location.