Which of the planet is closest to the sun
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Mercury: The Closest Planet to the Sun
Introduction to the Inner Planets
The inner planets of our solar system, also known as the terrestrial planets, include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. These planets are characterized by their rocky surfaces and are located closest to the Sun . Among these, Mercury holds the distinction of being the nearest planet to our star.
Mercury's Proximity to the Sun
Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system and is situated closest to the Sun. Its average distance from the Sun is approximately 0.39 astronomical units (AU), where 1 AU is the mean distance between Earth and the Sun . This proximity results in Mercury having the shortest orbital period of all the planets, completing a full orbit around the Sun in just about 88 Earth days.
Characteristics of Mercury
Mercury's small size, with a diameter of about 4,880 kilometers, makes it smaller than some of the moons in our solar system, such as Ganymede and Titan. Despite its size, Mercury's closeness to the Sun means it experiences extreme temperatures and has a very thin atmosphere, composed mostly of oxygen, sodium, and hydrogen.
Conclusion
In summary, Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun, orbiting at an average distance of 0.39 AU. Its small size and rapid orbit distinguish it from the other terrestrial planets, making it a unique and fascinating subject of study in our solar system .
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