Mercury is closest to the Sun from "summary" of Space Encyclopedia by David A. Aguilar,Christine Pulliam,Patricia Daniels
Mercury, the smallest and innermost planet in our solar system, holds the title of being the closest to the Sun. This means that Mercury orbits around the Sun at a distance shorter than any other planet. Due to its proximity to the Sun, Mercury has the shortest orbital period, completing a full orbit in just 88 Earth days. The close proximity to the Sun also affects Mercury's surface temperatures. During the day, temperatures on Mercury can soar up to a scorching 800 degrees Fahrenheit (430 degrees Celsius), hot enough to melt lead. However, at night, temperatures can plummet to a freezing -290 degrees Fahrenheit (-180 degrees Celsius) due to Mercury's lack of a substantial atmosphere to retain heat. Mercury's proximity to the Sun also plays a role in its appearance from Earth. As it orbits closer to the Sun than Earth, Mercury is sometimes visible in the morning or evening sky, appearing as a bright "star" near the horizon. This phenomenon is known as Mercury's greatest elongation, when it is farthest from the Sun as seen from Earth. Being the closest planet to the Sun also means that Mercury experiences the strongest gravitational pull from our star. This strong gravitational force keeps Mercury in a tight orbit around the Sun, leading to its fast orbital speed and short year compared to other planets in our solar system. Despite its small size and extreme temperatures, Mercury is a fascinating planet to study. Its proximity to the Sun offers unique opportunities for scientists to learn more about the effects of solar radiation, planetary formation, and the dynamics of our solar system. By studying Mercury, we can gain valuable insights into the complex interactions that shape our cosmic neighborhood.
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