Thinkquest 2001

Game

Mercury
Welcome to The Planet of Mercury.

Information about Mercury
Mass
kg 3.3 x 10^23
Diameter
mi (km) 3,031 (4878)
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)
Earth Days 58.65
Revolution Period (Length of Year) Earth Days 87.97
Obliquity (Tilt of Axis)
Degrees 0
Orbit Inclination
Degrees 7
Orbit Eccentricity
Deviation From Circular 0.206
Mean Surface Temperature
Fahrenheit -279 to 801
Visual Geometric Albedo
Reflectivity 0.12
Largest Known Surface Feature Caloris Basin (1350 km diameter)
Atmospheric Components Sodium (Na), Hydrogen (H), Helium (He) and Oxygen (O)
Number of Satellites None

Interesting Facts
Mercury's surface appears to be much like that of the moon
It reflects about 6% of the sunlight it receives, about the same as the moon
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 and 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 40% the earth's diameter
Mercury revolves around the sun faster than any other planet
Mercury travels at about 30 miles per second