Exploring Mercury: The Pink Planet

What makes Mercury appear pink when viewed from Earth?

• The presence of pink minerals on its surface

• The rosy hues of the setting sun

• The reflection of Mars' light

• Its natural surface color

During which month in 2013 was Mercury particularly visible after sunset?

• April

• March

• January

• February

What unusual feature does Mercury have at its poles?

• Deposits of ice

• Lush vegetation

• Permanent sunlight

• Volcanic activity

What is suspected to coat much of Mercury's ice?

• A layer of dust

• Complex organic compounds

• Metallic minerals

• Volcanic ash

What causes Mercury to have a comet-like tail?

• Its proximity to Earth

• Material blown off by solar flares and wind

• The presence of a large moon

• Its rapid rotation