How do scientists measure Mercury's surface temperature?

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HandsOnCelibacy

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I've often heard that the surface of the planet Mercury is very hot on the side facing the sun and very cold on the other side. But how does any know that? What techniques are used?

Additionally, since one side of Mercury faces away from the sun for months, could it be that this lack of exposure to the sun accounts (and vice versa) accounts for the wildly varying temperatures on either side of the planet?
 
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