astronomy
june 2015
image source
BBC.com
5
Mercury has the greatest temperature variation than any other planet in the solar system because of its very thin atmosphere which is a result of it having only 38% of the Earth’s gravity. This gravity difference is caused by Mercury’s small size and close proximity to the sun. Temperatures could exceed up to 800 degrees F in the daytime near equatorial regions (regions near the equator) and could drop during the nighttime to -280 degrees F. You’ll find on your stay on the surface that Mercury offers entertainment in the sledding and skiing department at its poles (only if you’re wearing intense snow gear) and pretty much a lot of death everywhere else.
Mercury’s surface is also the most cratered in the solar system because its surface is comprised mainly of solid rocks and metals, the second densest planet only next to Earth claiming first. If you end up living on Mercury you might want to change your sleeping schedule, because you will be shocked to realize that the length of a day (planetary rotation) on Mercury is equivalent to 55 Earth days, almost as long as the length of a year, (orbital revolution) which is 88 Earth days.
What's great about Mercury is that there are no seasonal changes because the planet experiences a very slight tilt on its axis and because it has no satellite revolving around it, meaning that seasonal clothing changes too will become a thing of the past! This also means that all plants and animals that depend on seasonal changes on Earth will never fully adapt to life on the seasonal uniform surface of Mercury.
So if you’re thinking about migrating to Mercury, the takeaway point here is to pack some REALLY intense snow gear, sunscreen that is even more protective, and some skis. Then I’m sure you’ll be fine.
source
Aziz's Mind