Which planet in order from the sun is known as the closest?

Mercury is recognized as the closest planet to the Sun in our solar system. Its proximity to the Sun means it orbits at an average distance of about 57.91 million kilometers (36 million miles). This close orbit contributes to its extreme temperature fluctuations, where daytime temperatures can soar considerably while nighttime temperatures can plunge dramatically.

Understanding the order of the planets from the Sun is fundamental to grasping our solar system's structure. Mercury, being the first in the lineup, serves as a key reference point for comparing distances and characteristics of other planets, such as Venus, Earth, and Mars, which are located farther from the Sun. This knowledge is essential for students studying astronomy and planetary science, as it forms a basic framework for discussing planetary properties and orbits.