#Mercury

#mercury    / @ishu_tehlan   key points of mercury Mercury is the smallest and closest planet to the Sun, known for its extreme temperature swings, long day-night cycles, and heavily cratered surface[1][2][3][4][5]. Key Facts **Smallest planet**: Mercury is the smallest planet in the solar system, with a diameter of 4,880 km[1][2][5]. **Closest to the Sun**: It orbits at an average distance of about 58 million km (0.39 AU) from the Sun[2][4]. **Extreme temperature**: Daytime temperatures can reach up to 430°C, while nights plunge to −180°C due to the thin atmosphere[2][4][5]. **Very thin atmosphere**: Mercury’s exosphere mainly consists of oxygen, sodium, hydrogen, helium, and potassium[1][4]. **Fastest orbit**: Mercury completes one orbit around the Sun in just 88 Earth days, faster than any other planet[5][6]. **Long days**: One Mercurian day (sunrise to sunrise) lasts about 176 Earth days due to its slow rotation[1][2][4][5]. **No moons**: Mercury does not have any natural satellites[2][9]. **Dense metallic core**: It has a large iron core, making up over half its volume and contributing to its high density[1][2]. **Cratered surface**: The surface is rocky and heavily cratered, similar in appearance to Earth’s Moon[1][2][3][5]. **No seasons**: Due to its negligible axial tilt, Mercury does not experience seasons[4]. **Roman naming**: Named after the Roman messenger god because of its speed in the sky[3][5][8]. Noteworthy Features Caloris Basin: Mercury’s largest crater, formed by a massive impact[1][3]. Surface contraction: Scarps and ridges indicate the planet is gradually shrinking as it cools[1][2]. These points summarize the essential characteristics of **Mercury**, emphasizing its uniqueness in the solar system[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Citations: [1] Mercury (planet) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury...) [2] Mercury | Facts, Color, Size, & Symbol https://www.britannica.com/place/Merc... [3] Mercury Facts for Kids - Learn Definition, Facts & Examples https://www.vedantu.com/evs/mercury-f... [4] Planet Mercury https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/planet... [5] Mercury Explained: Facts, Questions, and History https://www.rocketstem.org/2020/03/26... [6] Mercury https://science.nasa.gov/mercury/ [7] All About Mercury https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/all-about... [8] Top 10 Facts About Mercury! https://www.funkidslive.com/learn/top... [9] Mercury — A complete guide to the closest planet to the sun https://www.space.com/36-mercury-the-... [10] Basic Information about Mercury | US EPA https://www.epa.gov/mercury/basic-inf...