Atmospheres of the Planets

☿ Mercury Atmosphere: Exosphere (very thin) Mercury has an extremely thin atmosphere called an exosphere, made mostly of oxygen, sodium, hydrogen, helium, and potassium. It’s so thin that it can’t trap heat, making temperatures swing wildly between day and night. --- ♀ Venus Atmosphere: Thick and toxic Venus has one of the thickest atmospheres in the solar system. It’s mostly carbon dioxide with clouds of sulfuric acid. The pressure is 92 times that of Earth, and the heat is enough to melt lead—thanks to a runaway greenhouse effect. --- 🌍 Earth Atmosphere: Balanced for life Earth's atmosphere is a perfect mix for life, made of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and small amounts of other gases. It protects us from harmful space radiation and keeps the planet warm with a natural greenhouse effect. --- ♂ Mars Atmosphere: Thin and dusty Mars has a thin atmosphere composed mostly of carbon dioxide (95%), with traces of nitrogen and argon. It’s too thin to support human life or hold much heat, which is why Mars is cold and dry with frequent dust storms. --- ♃ Jupiter Atmosphere: Gas giant storms Jupiter has no solid surface—just a thick atmosphere made mostly of hydrogen and helium. It’s home to massive storms, including the famous Great Red Spot, and layers of clouds filled with ammonia and other gases. --- ♄ Saturn Atmosphere: Layered and hazy Saturn’s atmosphere is similar to Jupiter’s—mostly hydrogen and helium. It has fast winds, banded cloud layers, and huge storms. The upper atmosphere is hazy with ammonia ice crystals and other chemicals. --- ♅ Uranus Atmosphere: Icy and tilted Uranus has a cold, thick atmosphere made of hydrogen, helium, and a higher concentration of methane, which gives it a blue-green color. It’s the coldest planet and spins sideways, making its seasons extreme and unusual. --- ♆ Neptune Atmosphere: Windy and wild Neptune’s atmosphere is similar to Uranus but more active. It’s made of hydrogen, helium, and methane, with supersonic winds—the fastest in the solar system. Its deep blue color comes from methane and unknown atmospheric particles.