Mercury: Messenger orbital data confirm theories, reveal surprises

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On March 18, 2011, the MESSENGER spacecraft entered orbit around Mercury to become that planet's first orbiter. The spacecraft's instruments are making a complete reconnaissance of the planet's geochemistry, geophysics, geologic history, atmosphere, magnetosphere, and plasma environment. MESSENGER is providing a wealth of new information and some surprises. For instance, Mercury's surface composition differs from that expected for the innermost of the terrestrial planets, and Mercury's magnetic field has a north-south asymmetry that affects interaction of the planet's surface with charged particles from the solar wind.

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On March 18, 2011, the MESSENGER spacecraft entered orbit around Mercury to become that planet's first orbiter. (Credit: Image courtesy of Carnegie Institution)

Source:Science Daily
 
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