Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the approximate distance from Mercury to the Sun?
What is the approximate distance from Mercury to the Sun?
How long does a single day on Mercury last in Earth days?
How long does a single day on Mercury last in Earth days?
What is the average temperature on the lit side of Mercury?
What is the average temperature on the lit side of Mercury?
Why does Mercury have a very small atmosphere?
Why does Mercury have a very small atmosphere?
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If a person weighs 70 pounds on Earth, how much would they weigh on Mercury?
If a person weighs 70 pounds on Earth, how much would they weigh on Mercury?
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Study Notes
Mercury Overview
- Closest planet to the Sun, located 57,900,000 km away.
- Experiences extreme temperatures due to its proximity to the Sun and slow rotation.
Temperature Extremes
- Average temperature on the lit side reaches 350°C (660°F).
- Day duration on Mercury is 59 Earth days, while a year lasts 88 Earth days.
- Nighttime temperatures drop significantly, leading to extreme cold.
Atmosphere and Gravity
- Mercury has a very thin atmosphere, largely eroded by solar winds.
- Nearly devoid of air, making survival without protection impossible.
- Smaller size results in weaker gravity; a person weighing 70 pounds on Earth would weigh about 27 pounds on Mercury.
Moons
- Mercury has no natural satellites (moons).
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Description
Explore the fascinating extremes of Mercury, the planet closest to the Sun. This quiz covers its unique characteristics, including temperature variations and rotation periods. Test your knowledge on how these factors make Mercury a world of extremes.
