Mercury

closest and smallest planet

description compared to other planets in the solar system

88 days

orbital period of Mercury

closest and smallest planet

description compared to other planets in the solar system

88 days

orbital period of Mercury

Mercurius

a fast messenger god who ancients Romans named the planet after

59 days

rotational period of Mercury

atmosphere

lacks this because of weak gravity and heat from the sun making gas particles move faster

427 °C

daytime temperature on Mercury

-173 °C

nighttime temperature on Mercury

hydrogen and helium

gases at Mercury’s surface

dramatic temperature change

what Mercury is known for

can’t be seen

reason Mercury is considered the “understudied” planet

1974-1975

year Mariner 10 was launched

Mariner 10

launched to collect information about Mercury

0

number of moons Mercury has

7 times greater

strength of the rays on the sun on Mercury compared to on Earth

craters and wrinkles

what the surface of Mercury looks like, similar to the moon

6000 photos

number of photos Mariner 10 took

45%

percent of Mercury’s surface explored by Mariner 10

3024 miles

Mercury’s diameter

Caloris Basin

largest, biggest crater on Mercury

March or April evening

best time to see Mercury