Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and the smallest. It is a rocky planet like Venus, Earth, and Mars. It is named after the Roman god of commerce due to its speed. After Earth, Mercury is the second densest planet.
Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun. The planet is named after the Roman god of commerce, who was known for being very swift. Mercury does not have an atmosphere, so it doesn’t retain the heat from the Sun. Temperatures can range from 430°C (800°F) during the day and -180°C (-290°F) during the night. Mercury moves faster than any other planet, moving at 50 km per second as it orbits the Sun. It is the smallest planet and is only a little bit larger than Earth’s moon. Like Venus, Earth, and Mars, Mercury is a rocky planet.
Mercury has been difficult to study because of its proximity to the Sun. The first spacecraft to visit mercury was Mariner 10. When it visited, it managed to take pictures of about 45% of Mercury’s surface. The next time Mercury was visited by a spacecraft was by the Messenger mission. The mission was launched in 2004 and reached Mercury in 2011. The mission mapped 100% of Mercury’s surface and crashed into the surface of Mercury in April 2015.
The surface of Mercury looks similar to our moon, with lots of large craters from impacts from rocks falling from space.
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Try it for Free!Mercury Facts
- Orbital Period: 88 Earth Days
- Length of a Day: 4,222 hours
- Diameter: 4,879 km
- Distance from the Sun: 57,900,000 km
- Strength of Gravity: 3.7 N/kg
- Number of Moons: 0
How Tos about Guide to Planet Mercury
How to create a hands-on classroom model of Mercury to spark student interest
Engage students by making a 3D model of Mercury using simple craft materials. Hands-on activities help students visualize facts and boost memory.
Gather basic materials like clay, foam balls, and paint
Collect affordable supplies such as modeling clay, foam balls for the planet shape, gray and orange paint, and brushes. Encourage students to bring recycled items for creative touches.
Guide students to sculpt and paint Mercury’s surface features
Have students shape the foam ball or clay into a sphere and use paint to add craters and color variations that represent Mercury’s rocky surface. Discuss real surface features as you work together.
Incorporate quick science facts during the activity
Share fun Mercury facts—like its proximity to the Sun and extreme temperatures—while students paint. Connect visuals with key science vocabulary.
Display finished models and encourage student-led explanations
Showcase each model in the classroom or hallway. Invite students to present one fact about Mercury using their creation. This builds confidence and reinforces learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Guide to Planet Mercury
What is the planet Mercury?
Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system and the closest to the Sun. It is a rocky planet with a thin atmosphere, extreme temperatures, and a surface covered in craters.
Why is Mercury called the fastest planet?
Mercury orbits the Sun in just 88 Earth days, making it the fastest planet in our solar system. Its short year is due to its close distance to the Sun.
How hot and cold does Mercury get?
Temperatures on Mercury can reach up to 800°F (430°C) during the day and drop to -290°F (-180°C) at night because it has almost no atmosphere to trap heat.
What are some interesting facts about Mercury for students?
Some cool facts: Mercury has no moons, shows phases like our Moon, and has cliffs called 'scarps' that formed as the planet cooled and shrank.
How does Mercury compare to Earth?
Mercury is much smaller than Earth—about 1/3 its size—and has no atmosphere, water, or life. Unlike Earth, Mercury has extreme temperature swings and no weather.
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