This is the first cache in a series dedicated to our Solar System.
Each cache page will have information about the planet it
represents. The series is sponsored by the Carolina Caching Club.
Mercury
Mercury is the eighth largest planet (or second smallest) in the
Solar System. Staying with this theme, the cache is a M-295
Individual Decon Kit measuring 3" X 2.5" X 4.5", so there’s only
room for small trade items and small travel bugs. Bring your own
pen to log your visit. The other caches in this series will be
larger (except for Pluto).
The daytime side of the planet Mercury reaches over 400 degrees
C (752 degrees F), but on the night side the temperature falls to
-170 degrees C (-274 degrees F).
Mercury has no atmosphere and no known satellites.
The only visit to Mercury was made by the Mariner 10 spacecraft
in 1974.
In Roman mythology Mercury is the god of commerce, travel and
thievery, the Roman counterpart of the Greek god Hermes, the
messenger of the Gods. The planet probably received this name
because it moves so quickly across the sky. Mercury was believed by
the Greeks to be two different stars. Mercury's appearance in the
morning was called Apollo, and its evening appearance was referred
to as Hermes.
Links to the other caches in
this series:
The Sun
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
Pluto
Eris