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The Atmosphere
Neptune’s thick atmosphere consist of 74% hydrogen, 25% helium and about 1% methane. The atmosphere merges into the planet’s mantle.
Neptune’s atmosphere has icy clouds and enormous storms. These features change rapidly because of tremendous winds that whip around the planet. Neptune has the fastest winds in our Solar System.
Icy particles of methane in the outer parts of its atmosphere give Neptune its deep blue color; methane absorbs red light.
The Great Dark Spot
Neptune’s Great Dark Spot is an Earth-sized hurricane in the thick methane atmosphere of Neptune. The size, shape, and location of the spot vary greatly over time; it even disappears and reappears occasionally. The storm spins counterclockwise.
Horrendous winds near the spot were measured by Voyager 2 to be about 1,500 miles per hour (2,400 kph). These are the strongest recorded winds in our solar system.