Mercury rotates in a retrograde direction, meaning it spins on its axis in the opposite direction to the way it orbits the Sun. This is unlike most other planets in our solar system, which rotate in a prograde direction.

Here's a breakdown:

* Prograde rotation: The planet spins in the same direction it orbits the Sun (like Earth).

* Retrograde rotation: The planet spins in the opposite direction it orbits the Sun (like Venus and Uranus).

Mercury's retrograde rotation is thought to be a result of a giant impact early in its history. This impact could have tilted the planet's axis and reversed its spin direction.