What's the closest planet to sun
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Closest Planet to the Sun: Mercury
Introduction to Terrestrial Planets
The planets closest to the Sun are known as the terrestrial planets, which include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. These planets are characterized by their rocky surfaces and are often grouped together due to their similar compositions and proximity to the Sun .
Mercury: The Nearest Planet to the Sun
Among the terrestrial planets, Mercury holds the distinction of being the closest planet to the Sun. It orbits at an average distance of approximately 0.39 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun, where 1 AU is the mean distance between Earth and the Sun. This proximity results in Mercury experiencing extreme temperatures and a rapid orbital period.
Characteristics of Mercury
Mercury's close orbit around the Sun means it completes a revolution in just about 88 Earth days. This rapid orbit, combined with its small size, makes it a unique planet in our solar system. Despite its proximity to the Sun, Mercury has a very thin atmosphere, leading to significant temperature fluctuations between its day and night sides.
Conclusion
In summary, Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, orbiting at a distance of 0.39 AU. Its position within the group of terrestrial planets highlights its unique characteristics and the extreme conditions it endures due to its proximity to our star.
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