Correct option is D
Mercury, the smallest planet in the Solar System and closest to the Sun, completes one revolution around the Sun in 88 days. Its short orbital period is due to its proximity to the Sun, which also results in extreme temperature variations on its surface.
Information Booster
- Mercury has no natural satellites.
- Its orbital speed is approximately 47.87 km/s.
- It rotates slowly, with one day (solar) lasting 176 Earth days.
- Mercury's surface resembles the Moon's, with numerous craters.
- The planet has a thin exosphere composed mainly of oxygen, sodium, and hydrogen.
- It has been explored by missions like Mariner 10 and MESSENGER.
Additional Knowledge
- 118 days: Venus' orbital period is about 225 Earth days.
- 108 days: Not associated with any planet.
- 98 days: Pluto (now classified as a dwarf planet) has an orbital period of 248 Earth years.
- Mercury's extreme temperatures range from -173°C to 427°C.