Mercury
The 1st Planet
Facts & Figures
 Because of its proximity to the Sun, Mercury is never really viewed against a dark background. Rather, it always struggles to be seen over the light of the setting or rising Sun. Patience (and clear skies) will reward you with some beautiful evening views of this planet.
In the accompanying image, Mercury is seen following the sun toward the western horizon of southern Utah with a slender crescent moon close behind.
|
| |
Max |
Min |
| Angular Size |
|
|
| Brightness |
|
|
| Distance from Earth |
1.48 AU |
0.52 AU |
| Distance from Sun |
0.46 AU |
0.30 AU |
| Temperature |
-173C |
427C |
| |
|
| Mass |
3.303 x 1023kg (0.055 x Earth) |
| Size |
4879 km @ Equator (0.383 x Earth) |
| Orbital Period |
87.9 days |
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Utah Skies
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Mercury
Venus
Earth
Moon
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
Pluto
Because of its proximity to the Sun, Mercury is never really viewed against a dark background. Rather, it always struggles to be seen over the light of the setting or rising Sun. Patience (and clear skies) will reward you with some beautiful evening views of this planet.
