What feature of Venus contributes to its severe temperatures?

The feature of Venus that significantly contributes to its severe temperatures is its dense atmosphere. Venus has a thick atmosphere composed primarily of carbon dioxide, with clouds of sulfuric acid. This dense atmosphere creates a strong greenhouse effect, trapping heat very efficiently. As a result, the surface temperatures on Venus can reach around 900 degrees Fahrenheit (475 degrees Celsius), making it the hottest planet in the solar system.

The greenhouse gases in the atmosphere prevent heat from escaping back into space, leading to extreme surface conditions. The high pressure of the atmosphere, about 92 times that of Earth, also plays a vital role in retaining this heat. Therefore, the density and composition of Venus's atmosphere are critical in explaining the planet’s high temperatures.