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In contrast to Earth, Mercury undergoes extremes in tempera- ture. Why?

In contrast to Earth, Mercury undergoes extremes in tempera- ture. Why?

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**Why Mercury Experiences Extreme Temperature Variations** In contrast to Earth, Mercury undergoes extremes in temperature. Why? Mercury experiences significant temperature variations due to several key factors: 1. **Proximity to the Sun**: Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, which means it receives a large amount of solar radiation. During the day, temperatures can soar up to around 430°C (800°F). 2. **Lack of Atmosphere**: Unlike Earth, Mercury has a very thin atmosphere, which is practically negligible. This means there's no atmospheric insulation to retain heat during the night. Consequently, when the Sun sets, temperatures can plummet drastically to as low as -180°C (-290°F). 3. **Slow Rotation**: Mercury has a slow rotation period, taking about 59 Earth days to complete one full rotation. Thus, one side is exposed to the Sun's intense heat for prolonged periods, while the other side faces extended cold periods in darkness. These factors collectively contribute to Mercury’s extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night. Without an atmosphere to modulate temperature and due to its slow rotation, it experiences some of the most significant temperature variations in the solar system.
Transcribed Image Text:**Why Mercury Experiences Extreme Temperature Variations** In contrast to Earth, Mercury undergoes extremes in temperature. Why? Mercury experiences significant temperature variations due to several key factors: 1. **Proximity to the Sun**: Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, which means it receives a large amount of solar radiation. During the day, temperatures can soar up to around 430°C (800°F). 2. **Lack of Atmosphere**: Unlike Earth, Mercury has a very thin atmosphere, which is practically negligible. This means there's no atmospheric insulation to retain heat during the night. Consequently, when the Sun sets, temperatures can plummet drastically to as low as -180°C (-290°F). 3. **Slow Rotation**: Mercury has a slow rotation period, taking about 59 Earth days to complete one full rotation. Thus, one side is exposed to the Sun's intense heat for prolonged periods, while the other side faces extended cold periods in darkness. These factors collectively contribute to Mercury’s extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night. Without an atmosphere to modulate temperature and due to its slow rotation, it experiences some of the most significant temperature variations in the solar system.
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