Which Planet Is Closest to the Sun?

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Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun.

Which Planet Is Closest to the Sun: explained

It orbits at an average distance of roughly 58 million kilometers.

Venus is second and Earth third.

Useful reference

Astronomical classifications come from the International Astronomical Union. Planetary moon discoveries can change published counts; for the latest confirmed totals check NASA and the IAU.

When the answer can differ

Being closest does not make Mercury the hottest planet; Venus is hotter.

Common questions

What should I remember?

Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun.

What is an easy mistake to avoid?

Being closest does not make Mercury the hottest planet; Venus is hotter.

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