Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, with an average distance of about 36 million miles (58 million kilometers). Its proximity to the Sun means it has extreme temperature variations.
Mercury has an extremely slow rotation, taking about 59 Earth days to complete one rotation on its axis. However, its orbital period around the Sun is only about 88 Earth days.
Unlike most of the other planets in the solar system, Mercury has no natural moons or satellites.
The planet Mercury is named after the Roman messenger god, Mercury, who was known for his speed. In different cultures, the planet is associated with similar deities, such as Hermes in Greek mythology.
Occasionally, Mercury passes directly between Earth and the Sun, creating a transit event. These transits are observable from Earth and provide opportunities for astronomers to study the planet.
Mercury is a unique and fascinating world with a stark and unforgiving environment, and its study contributes to our understanding of planetary processes and the history of the solar system.