Which planet has the biggest known temperature difference between its day and night side?
Quick Answer
Mercury has one of the biggest day-night temperature swings of any planet, with daytime temperatures around 430°C and nighttime temperatures near -180°C. Its lack of a substantial atmosphere allows heat to escape quickly.
The Full Story
Mercury experiences extreme temperature changes because it has almost no atmosphere to trap heat. The side facing the Sun can heat up to about 430°C, while the night side can plunge to around -180°C. This huge contrast is possible because the planet rotates slowly and has a very thin exosphere rather than a thick atmosphere. It is one of the most hostile temperature environments in the Solar System.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Mercury goes from blistering hot to freezing cold in the dark."
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