MERCURY   First planet from the Sun

          Mean distance from Sun:    .39 AU = 58,000,000 KM 

          Diameter:                  4880 KM

          Mass:                      0.06 Earths

          Density:                   5.4 grams / cubic centimeter

          Surface temperature:       800 F to -360 F

          Orbital period:            88 days

          Mercury is hard to see from Earth because it is so small and 
          so close to the sun.  At certain times of the year, it can be 
          seen just after sunset or before sunrise.  The rest of the 
          time it is lost in the sun's glare.
