Mercury
⭐ MasteredMercury is the smallest planet and closest to the Sun. It has extreme temperatures: scorching days and freezing nights. A year on Mercury is just 88 Earth days.
Mercury has almost no atmosphere.
All about Mercury
Mercury is the smallest planet in the Solar System and the closest to the Sun. It is a rocky world covered with craters, much like the Moon. Its orbit is quick, so a year on Mercury lasts only about 88 Earth days.
Mercury has extreme temperatures. Its surface can reach about 430°C in the day, but at night it drops to around minus 180°C, because it has almost no atmosphere to hold heat in.
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Real-life uses of Mercury
- Studying how planets form close to a star
- Testing theories of gravity, because its orbit has been measured precisely
- Planning future robotic missions
Frequently asked questions about Mercury
Is Mercury the hottest planet?
No. Venus is hotter because its thick atmosphere traps heat. Mercury has the largest temperature swings.
How long is a day on Mercury?
A solar day on Mercury is about 176 Earth days, which is longer than its year.
Can you live on Mercury?
No. It has no air, extreme temperatures and strong radiation from the Sun.