Neptune

Neptune is a big, blue planet far away from the Sun. It is the eighth planet in our solar system. Neptune is so far away that you cannot see it without a telescope. It is known for its deep blue color and very strong winds.

A Windy World

Neptune has the fastest winds in the solar system. The winds can blow more than 1,200 miles per hour. That is faster than a jet plane! Big storms swirl around the planet. One famous storm was called the Great Dark Spot.

A painted portrait of Galileo, the scientist who first saw Saturn's rings.
A painted portrait of Galileo, the scientist who first saw Saturn's rings. (Justus Sustermans / Wikimedia Commons)

Moons and Rings

Neptune has 14 moons that we know about. The biggest moon is called Triton. Triton is very cold and has ice volcanoes. Neptune also has thin rings around it, but they are hard to see.

Fun Facts

  • Neptune is named after the Roman god of the sea.
  • One year on Neptune is about 165 Earth years long.
  • Neptune is made mostly of gas and ice, not solid ground.

Did You Know?

Neptune was the first planet found by using math instead of a telescope. Scientists figured out where it should be, and then they looked and found it!