Mercury is the first planet from the Sun and one of the four inner planets. Altough Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system, it is not the lightest, infact its density is very close to Earth's. The reason why Mercury is so "heavy" or dense, compared to its relative size, is because of the composition. Mercury is mainly made of metals like iron and the rest is silicates.
Mercury orbits the Sun at distance ranging from 45 million to 70 million kilometers. It has no atmosphere, so the close proximity and lack of protective atmosphere contribute to very harsh conditions. Temperatures on the day side are over 430 C and on the dark side -183 C. Surface of Mercury resembles closely Moon's cratered surface. Hit by thousands of meteors.
Why I chose Mercury as the planet of the week? Well, considering what the Sun is cooking, it felt only natural. I mean, think about it... So close to the Sun, all them solar flares and CMEs, all that radiation and no cover. It would be spectacular view from Mercury's surface, but deadly. So, pick it up for Mercury, whooaa!
No comments:
Post a Comment