Mercury

Front

What is the length of a day on Mercury in terms of its orbital period?

Back

A day on Mercury (one rotation on its axis) takes about 2/3 of its orbital period (one Mercury year).

Front

What is the diameter of Mercury compared to Earth?

Back

Mercury is about one third the diameter of Earth, measuring approximately 4900 kilometers.

Front

What type of orbit does Mercury have compared to other planets?

Back

Mercury has the most elliptical orbit of all the planets in the solar system.

Front

Who was Mercury named after in Roman mythology?

Back

Mercury was named after the Roman messenger god.

Front

How long does it take for the Sun to complete one full cycle in the sky as seen from Mercury?

Back

It takes two Mercury years for the Sun to go around the sky once as seen from the surface of Mercury.

Front

What is the significance of Mercury's low density?

Back

Mercury has the lowest density among the terrestrial planets, indicating a composition that includes a large metallic core.

Front

How does Mercury's size compare to other terrestrial planets?

Back

Mercury is the smallest terrestrial planet in the solar system.

Front

What is the temperature range on Mercury?

Back

Mercury experiences extreme temperature variations, ranging from about -173°C at night to 427°C during the day.

Front

What is the primary component of Mercury's atmosphere?

Back

Mercury has a very thin atmosphere, primarily composed of oxygen, sodium, hydrogen, helium, and potassium.

Front

How does Mercury's rotation affect its day-night cycle?

Back

Mercury's slow rotation results in long days and nights, with each day lasting about 176 Earth days.