HOT

Anyone who has been scalded by the contents of a hot water tap might spare a thought for a microbe that has made its home in the superheated water around volcanic vents on the sea floor. Romantically called Strain 121, it survives in environments of around 250 degrees Fahrenheit, or 121 degrees Celsius, making it the planet's hottest life form.

The planet Mercury is apparently one of the hottest places in known space. According to NASA it heats up to 850 degrees Fahrenheit (that's 450 degrees Centigrade), but at night it gets very, very cold, with temperatures dropping by up to 1080 degrees Fahrenheit (or 600 degrees C). So if you are going to Mercury, take total sun block and a nice warm jacket for the evenings!