Atmosphere of Mercury Atmosphere of Mercury Mercury has a very tenuous and highly variable atmosphere (surface-bound exosphere) containing hydrogen, helium, oxygen, sodium, calcium, potassium and water vapor, with a combined pressure level of about 10 bar (1 nPa). The exospheric species originate either from the Solar wind or from the planetary crust. Solar light pushes the atmospheric gases away from the Sun, creating a comet-like tail behind the planet. The existence of a Mercurian atmosphere had been contentious before 1974, although by that time a consensus had formed that Mercury, like the Moon, lacked any substantial atmosphere. This conclusion was confirmed in 1974
Bad Astronomy praised "Bad Astronomy" as the "ideal accompaniment for International Astronomy Day (April 20)" and quoted the author, stating that it is "dangerous to be ignorant about science. Our lives and our livelihoods depend on it." In an October 2002 review for "Sky & Telescope", Bud Sadler praised "Bad Astronomy" for its humor, "easily understood explanations" and "simple demonstrations" to explain what he called "the most egregious examples of ill-informed astronomy." Part I of "Bad Astronomy", "Bad Astronomy Begins at Home," focuses on examples of astronomical misconceptions that are typically associated with the household or classroom, including the effect of the