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Mercury: where is it right now?

Mercury is 1.125 AU (168.3 million km) from Earth right now and 0.459 AU (68.7 million km) from the Sun. Light takes 9 min 21 s to get there. ()

The smallest planet and the closest to the Sun. With almost no atmosphere to hold heat, its surface swings from about 430 °C in daylight to −180 °C at night.

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Mercury facts

Distance from Earth now
1.125 AU (168.3 million km)
Distance from the Sun now
0.459 AU (68.7 million km)
Light time from Earth
9 min 21 s
Mean radius
2,439.7 km (0.383 × Earth)
Mass
3.301 × 10^23 kg
Surface gravity
3.70 m/s² (0.38 g)
Escape velocity
4.2 km/s
Rotation period
58.65 days
Year (orbit around the Sun)
87.97 days
Average distance (semi-major axis)
0.387 AU (57.9 million km)
Orbital eccentricity
0.2056
Inclination to the ecliptic
7.00°
Next closest approach to Earth
3 November 2026 — 0.673 AU (100.6 million km)

Positions from NASA JPL Horizons; physical constants from the IAU and JPL. Distances are centre to centre.

Mercury: questions people ask

How far is Mercury from Earth right now?

As of 4 October 2026, Mercury is 1.125 AU (168.3 million km) from Earth; light takes 9 min 21 s to cover that distance. Over the next 30 years the distance ranges from about 0.549 AU (82.2 million km) to 1.452 AU (217.2 million km).

When is Mercury closest to Earth next?

Around 3 November 2026, when it comes within 0.673 AU (100.6 million km) of Earth (calculated from NASA JPL Horizons orbits).

How long is a year on Mercury?

Mercury takes 87.97 days to orbit the Sun once, at an average distance of 0.387 AU (57.9 million km).

How long is a day on Mercury?

Mercury rotates once every 58.65 days relative to the stars.

How big is Mercury compared to Earth?

Mercury’s radius is 2,440 km, 0.38 times Earth’s, and its surface gravity is 0.38 times Earth’s (3.70 m/s²).