Mercury is shrinking up to 30% more than expected
A new study shows Mercury is shrinking more than scientists first thought. They say the planet might have already shrunk up to 30% more than expected. The post Mercury is shrinking up to 30% more than expected first appeared on EarthSky .
A new study reveals that Mercury, the planet closest to the Sun, has shrunk up to 30% more than previously estimated. Scientists have known for a while that Mercury is cooling and shrinking after its formation. However, a recent international research effort suggests the planet's shrinkage has been even greater than thought. The MESSENGER spacecraft, which orbited Mercury from 2011 to 2015, provided data that allowed researchers to create a detailed map of the planet's surface, uncovering wrinkles called shortening structures.
These features indicate the extent of Mercury's shrinking. Initially, scientists estimated Mercury's shrinkage to be around 2.5 to 10 miles (4 to 16 km) in diameter. The new study, however, indicates the planet could have shrunk by up to 14.5 miles (23 km). This increased estimate implies Mercury might have a larger metal core and less silicon mixed into the core.
The previously obscured evidence of shrinking is likely due to impact debris and craters scattered across the planet's surface. The BepiColombo mission, set to launch in the near future, will provide even higher-resolution data to potentially confirm these findings.
Written by urgent.news from EarthSky's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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