Liputan6.com, Jakarta Planet Mercury may be the smallest planet in our solar system, but it holds some of the most unusual secrets. Often overlooked because it is so close to the Sun, Mercury is a world full of extreme conditions and surprising facts that make it very different from the other planets.
From its blazing hot days to its freezing cold nights, Mercury shows us just how strange space can be. Despite its small size, it has a profound impact on our solar system and continues to amaze scientists with its unique features. The more we learn about Mercury, the more fascinating it becomes.
In this article, we’ll explore 8 of the strangest and most interesting facts about Planet Mercury. These facts will not only help you understand the planet better but also show why Mercury deserves more attention than it usually gets. Get ready to be surprised by this tiny but mysterious planet!
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No Air, Crazy Temperatures
Unlike Earth, Mercury has very little air. This makes it super hot during the day (800°F or 427°C) and freezing at night (-290°F or -179°C).Â
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Slow Spin, Fast Orbit
Mercury spins slowly, taking approximately 59 days to complete one rotation. But it zips around the sun in just 88 days.
Big Sun View
If you were on Mercury when it's close to the sun, the sun would look three times bigger than from Earth.
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Strange Crater Patterns
The Caloris Basin, a large crater on Mercury, exhibits unusual patterns known as "hollows" that are attributed to heat-induced subsidence.
Iron Core Center
Mercury has a big iron core (85% of the planet), creating a strong magnetic field, making it a magnet powerhouse.
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Hot Outside, Cold Ice Inside
Despite its hot surface, Mercury has ice in cold craters near the poles.
Magnetic Confusion
Mercury's magnetic field is off-center, confusing scientists as it's not where they expected it.
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Getting Smaller
Over time, Mercury is shrinking as its iron core cools, making wrinkles and scarps on the surface. It's the only planet with these changes in our solar system.