Which one of the following statements about the terrestrial planets is false?

A  Earth’s atmosphere plays a central role in keeping the planet from freezing cold temperatures.

B  Earth’s atmosphere allows the Sun’s infrared radiation in but doesn’t allow much visible light to escape, resulting in the greenhouse effect.

C  Despite being the closest planet to the Sun, some parts of Mercury have a surface temperatures far below the freezing point of water.

D  Venus is the hottest planet in our Solar System, mainly due to a greatly elevated greenhouse effect.

E  Long ago, Mars probably had a thicker atmosphere than it does now, with sufficiently high temperatures and pressure to allow liquid water to exist on its surface.