The range of surface temperatures on Mercury is a measurement of the difference between the highest and the lowest temperatures that can be experienced on the surface of the planet. Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun in our solar system, which drastically affects its surface temperatures.
During the day, due to the proximity to the Sun and the lack of a significant atmosphere to dissipate heat, Mercury can reach extremely high temperatures. Scientific data indicates that surface temperatures on the planet can soar to about 427 degrees Celsius (800 degrees Fahrenheit) at the equator during the day.
On the other hand, at night, Mercury's surface experiences very low temperatures. Since it has a thin atmosphere that is incapable of trapping heat, the surface temperature can plummet significantly. The nighttime temperatures on Mercury can drop to about -173 degrees Celsius (-280 degrees Fahrenheit).
Therefore, to find the range, we look at the difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature. In this case, the range of surface temperatures on Mercury is from the nighttime low of -173 degrees Celsius to the daytime high of 427 degrees Celsius.
Among the choices given, the range "-170 to 470 degrees C" is the closest to these scientifically recorded temperatures, considering that the figures might be approximated or rounded. So, the correct choice is:
-170 to 470 degrees C.
