Mercury, the smallest planet in Earth's solar system, has a circumference of 9,525 miles (15,329 km) — less than the distance between Denver, Colorado, in the US and Pretoria, South Africa. The contrast between the sizes of Earth and Mercury is striking: Mercury's surface area is 28,879,000 square miles (74,797,000 km2), which is less than 15% of Earth's surface area. Its mass is equivalent to 5.5% of the Earth's mass.
More about Mercury:
- Mercury orbits the sun once every 88 days.
- There is no established discovery date for Mercury because it was "known to the ancients," according to the United States' National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
- Although Mercury is the planet closest to the sun, Venus' surface is much hotter. This is because of Venus' thick, dense atmosphere.
By Lainie Petersen
, Former Writer
Lainie Petersen, a talented writer, copywriter, and content creator, brings her diverse skill set to her role as an editor. With a unique educational background, she crafts engaging content and hosts podcasts and radio shows, showcasing her versatility as a media and communication professional. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a valuable asset to any media organization.