What are some characteristics of the planet Mercury?

Answer 1

The surface of Mercury is similar to the moons. Most of the craters peppering Mercury's surface were caused 3.7 or 4.5 billion years ago. The Great Bombardment was the time when craters were left on Mercury, earth's moon, and other surfaces in the universe. The craters on Mercury are flatter and have thinner rims than the ones on Earth. Bach and Mozart are examples of crater names. The Caloris Basin is the largest crater on Mercury. Its diameter is around 800 miles. Surrounding the Basin are the Caloris Mountains. These mountains were formed by piles of material were thrown out of the Basin. The weird terrain is almost opposite Caloris Basin. It consists of hills, ridges and grooves that cut across craters. The weird terrain my have been formed by shock waves that raced through the center of the planet and outward early in Mercury's history. A series of cliffs that are 100's of miles long run along Mercury's surface. These cliffs are called 'scarps'. The scarps were also probably formed early in the planets history. The surface is covered in a thin layer of dust in most areas. === === Young craters have sharp rims and bright rays extending outward. Others are degraded, with rims smoothed from crashing meteorites.

Answer 2

mercury is very close to the sun. its surfaced temperature is around 840 degrees and the surface is filled with deep craters.

Answer 3

Mercury is the smallest terrestrial planet, closest to sun