WELCOME TO MERCURY

Mass (kg)............................................ 3.3 x 10^23
Diameter ............................................ 3,031 mi. (4878 km.)
Mean density (kg/m^3) ............................... 5420
Escape velocity (m/sec).............................. 4300

Distance from the sun ............................... Shortest- 28,600,000 mi(46,000,000 km)
                                                      Greatest- 43,400,000 mi(69,800,000 km)
                                                      Mean- 35,980,000 mi(57,900,000 km)
Rotation period (length of day in Earth days)........ 58.65
Revolution period (length of year in Earth days)..... 87.97

Obliquity (tilt of axis in degrees).................. 0
Orbit inclination (degrees).......................... 7
Orbit eccentricity (deviation from circular)......... 0.206

Mean surface temperature (Fahrenheit)................ -279 to 801 F

Visual geometric albedo (reflectivity)............... 0.12
Largest known surface feature........................ Caloris Basin (1350 km diameter)
Atmospheric components............................... Sodium, hydrogen, helium and oxygen

Number of Satellites ................................ None

Interesting Facts about this Planet

• Mercury's surface appears to be much like that of the moon
• It reflects about 6 per cent of the sunlight it receives, about the same as the moon's surface reflects
• Like the moon, Mercury is covered by a thin layer of minerals called silicates in the form of tiny particles
• It also has broad, flat plains; steep cliffs; and many deep craters similar to those on the moon
• Mercury has many deep craters
• Mercury does not have enough atmosphere to slow down approaching meteors and burn them up by friction
• Mercury is dry, extremely hot
• Mercury does not have enough gases in its atmosphere to reduce the amount of heat and light it receives from the sun.
• The temperature may reach 801 F(427 C)
• Mercury's diameter is about 2/5 the earth's diameter
• Mercury moves around the sun faster than any other planet
• Mercury travels about 30 miles per second