Explain Science

Neptune

Neptune is a fascinating planet that has intrigued scientists since its discovery in 1846. It has a thick atmosphere that is made up of hydrogen, helium, and methane, and it experiences the strongest winds in the solar system, with gusts that can reach up to 1,200 miles per hour. Its magnetic field is also unique, as it is tilted at an angle of roughly 47 degrees relative to its rotation.

Neptune has a total of 14 known moons, the largest of which is Triton, and it also has a faint ring system that is difficult to see from Earth. Despite being so far away, Neptune has been visited by only one spacecraft, Voyager 2, which flew by the planet in 1989 and provided us with our best understanding of this distant world.