Explanation:
For the first time, the
entire surface
of planet Mercury has been mapped.
Detailed observations of the
innermost planet's
surprising crust have been ongoing since the robotic
MESSENGER spacecraft
first passed Mercury in 2008 and began orbiting in 2011.
Previously, much of the
Mercury's surface was unknown as it is too far
for Earth-bound telescopes to see clearly, while the
Mariner
10
flybys in the 1970s observed only about half.
The
above video
is a compilation of thousands of images of Mercury rendered in
exaggerated colors to better contrast different surface
features.
Visible on the
rotating
world are
rays emanating from a
northern impact that stretch across much of the planet,
while about half-way through the video the light colored
Caloris Basin rotates into view,
a northern ancient impact feature that filled with lava.
MESSENGER has now
successfully completed
its primary and first extended missions.
Surf the Universe:
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Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
