Besides intense heat, what environmental factor makes Mercury's surface hostile due to the near-total lack of atmosphere?
Answer
Near-total lack of atmosphere capable of protecting against radiation
The environment on Mercury is hostile due to a twofold problem stemming from its negligible atmosphere, officially termed an exosphere. The primary issue is the direct exposure to intense solar radiation, as the thin exosphere offers virtually no protection against incoming high-energy particles. Furthermore, the lack of atmosphere means there is no buffer to retain heat during the long night or shield against micrometeorite impacts, making the surface inherently dangerous for any biological or unprotected physical structure.
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