MERCURY

Closest Planet to the Sun: Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun in our solar system. It orbits the Sun at an average distance of about 57.9 million kilometers (35.98 million miles).

Small and Rocky: Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system, with a diameter of about 4,879 kilometers (3,032 miles). It is a rocky planet, similar to Earth's Moon, with a surface covered in craters, cliffs, and plains.

Extreme Temperatures: Due to its proximity to the Sun, Mercury experiences extreme temperature variations. The side facing the Sun can reach scorching temperatures of around 430 degrees Celsius (800 degrees Fahrenheit), while the side facing away from the Sun can plummet to freezing temperatures of about -180 degrees Celsius (-290 degrees Fahrenheit).