What is the average low temperature on Mercury?

Mercury rotates slowly and has a thin atmosphere, and consequently, the night-side temperature can be more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit lower than the day-side temperature shown on the diagram. It can be as cold as -290 degrees Fahrenheit (-179 degrees Celsius) on Mercury at night.

What types of temperature ranges can be found on Mercury?

Mercury’s temperatures can go between -279 Fahrenheit (-173 Celsius) at night to 801 Fahrenheit (427 Celsius) during the day. (This is hot enough to melt lead!)

Does Mercury have the greater range of temperatures?

Mercury is only about one-third the size of the Earth. It is smaller than any other planet. Mercury is very close to the Sun and has no substantial atmosphere. These factors contribute to the fact that the surface of Mercury has the greatest temperature range of any planet or natural satellite in our solar system.

What is the maximum and minimum temperature on Mercury?

Mercury’s surface temperatures are both extremely hot and cold. Because the planet is so close to the Sun, day temperatures can reach highs of 800°F (430°C). Without an atmosphere to retain that heat at night, temperatures can dip as low as -290°F (-180°C).

Why does the temperature vary so much on Mercury?

The change in temperature on the surface of Mercury is due to its rotation and lack of atmosphere. During the day the temperature is so high that it could melt some metals and during the night the temperature drops well bellow freezing.

What is the coldest temperature on Mercury?

Temperatures on Mercury range from minus 290 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 180 degrees Celsius) at the coldest, up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit (430 degrees Celsius) in the daytime. Read our full special report:

What is Mercury’s average night temperature?

Mercury’s temperatures can go between -279 Fahrenheit (-173 Celsius) at night to 801 Fahrenheit (427 Celsius) during the day. (This is hot enough to melt lead!)