The solar system: the planets: planet Mercury

Go Astronomy: From apo telescopes to zodiac constellations
Find Your Inner Astronomer...   
  ASTRONOMY GUIDE:   Planets & Solar System |  Constellations |  Deep Sky Objects |  Event Calendar |  Activities |  Astronomy Clubs & Orgs
EQUIPMENT GUIDE

Telescopes
 Types of Telescopes
 Choosing a Telescope
 Telescope Accessories
 Spotting Scopes
 Astrophotography

Astro Binoculars
 Types of Binoculars
 Choosing Binoculars
 Binocular Accessories

Software & Books
 Astronomy Software
 Star Charts & Maps
 Astronomy Books





< back to Planets planet Mercury

The Planets: Planet Mercury

Mercury is the first of nine planets in our solar system and is the closest to the sun. Planet Mercury moves from the morning sky to the evening sky several times a year. It never deviates far from the Sun so can be hard to locate.


Mercury Facts
Mass (kg) 3.303e+23
Radius (km) 2,439.7
Density (gm/cm3) 5.42
Distance from Sun (km) 57,910,000
Period of rotation (days) 58.6462
Period of orbit (days) 87.969
Orbital velocity (km/sec) 47.88
Eccentricity of orbit 0.2056
Tilt of axis (°) 0.00
Inclination of orbit (°) 7.004
surface gravity (m/sec2) 2.78
escape velocity (km/sec) 4.25
Visual albedo 0.10
Visual magnitude -1.9
surface temperature 179°C
Maximum surface temperature 427°C
Minimum surface temperature -173°C
Atmosphere Helium=42%
Sodium=42%
Oxygen=15%
Moons 0



Mercury can be viewed with the naked-eye, binoculars and all telescopes.


Your Guide to Telescopes & Amateur Astronomy

Copyright © 2006-2009 www.Go-Astronomy.com. All rights reserved.