What is the approximate temperature range experienced between day and night on Mercury's surface?
Answer
From $430^ ext{o} ext{C}$ to $-180^ ext{o} ext{C}$
The lack of a substantial atmosphere to distribute heat across Mercury leads to staggering temperature differentials between the side facing the Sun and the side in shadow. During the day, when exposed to relentless solar radiation, temperatures can soar to approximately $430^ ext{o} ext{C}$ ($800^ ext{F}$). Conversely, once the long night cycle begins, heat rapidly escapes into space, causing the temperature to plummet dramatically to a frigid $-180^ ext{C}$ ($-290^ ext{F}$). This swing presents an immense engineering challenge for any attempts at surface habitation or structural development.
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