Explore Mercury, the smallest and fastest planet in our solar system. Named for the swift Roman messenger god, Mercury completes its solar orbit in a mere 88 Earth days. This incredible speed and its slow rotation result in a unique phenomenon where a single solar day (sunrise to sunrise) is twice as long as its entire year. The planet is a world of incredible extremes, boasting the largest temperature swings in the solar system. Daytime temperatures on the surface can soar to 800°F (430°C), hot enough to melt lead, while the lack of an atmosphere causes nighttime temperatures to plummet to a chilling -290°F (-180°C). Discover why Mercury is shrinking over time, a process caused by the cooling of its massive iron core, which wrinkles the surface and creates massive cliffs. Learn about the planet's surprising, comet-like tail made of sodium atoms that streams for millions of miles through space.

What to learn more about outer space? Check out my ⁠Spotify Playlist: Fun Facts About Space Exploration⁠

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

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