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- Smallest planet in the Solar System
- Discovered in ancient times
- Named after the Roman god of commerce
- Radius: 2,440 kilometers (46% of Earth's)
- Circumference: 15,329 kilometers
- Surface area: 74.8 million square kilometers (11% of Earth's)
- Mass: 3.30x1023 kilograms
- Average distance from the Sun: 57.9 million kilometers
- No moons in its orbit
- Temperature ranges between -173 and 427 degrees Celcius (-279 and 801 degrees FahrenheitNASA: Mercury - Facts & Figures
- Atmosphere is extremely thin
- : 42%
- : 29%
- : 22%
- : 6%
- Potassium
- Trace amounts of Argon, Carbon Dioxide, Water, Nitrogen, Xenon, Krypton, NeonNASA: Mercury Fact Sheet
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Mercury is closest planet to the Sun, and it is the smallest planet in the Solar System. Its proximity to the Sun gives the planet a huge range of temperatures. Because of its small size, cratered surface, and lack of a significant atmosphere, Mercury is often compared to Earth's Moon.Scientific Paper: Mercury: Magnetic Field and Magnetosphere
Quotes
"Scientists say the pictures reveal that the planet once had active volcanoes, and that Mercury is shrinking as it ages, leaving ridges reminiscent of wrinkles - strange features that may be a product of the planet's shrinking, cooling core."Popular Science: "The Incredible Shrinking Planet" (January 31, 2008)"The spacecraft also discovered a unique feature that scientists dubbed "The Spider." This formation never has been seen on Mercury before and nothing like it has been observed on the moon." NASA: NASA Spacecraft Streams Back Surprises From Mercury (January 30, 2008)
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Mercury Questions
Is mercury in fish an urgent global health concern? 4 AnswersYes, mercury in fish is absolutely a health concern. For thousands of years, our ancestors have fished these waters and ate the fish and other marine life they... read more
What, other than fish, could cause you to have too much mercury in your body? 6 AnswersThere are many products you encounter in day to day life that contain mercury. A broken battery or thermometer could expose you to mercury, as could some types ... read more
How many servings of fish can you eat in one week and not consume too much mercury? 2 AnswersVisit the GotMercury calculator posted in a link at the bottom of this thread to calculate your exposure. Certain fish are more likely to have methylmercury in ... read more -



