Author Question: What space mission is currently exploring Mercury? What information has this mission so far provided ... (Read 127 times)

asmith134 · **on:** Jul 27, 2018

What space mission is currently exploring Mercury? What information has this mission so far provided about the planet?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What part of the Sun's aging process will destroy Earth itself?

a. the fusion of hydrogen in the core
b. an increase in luminosity as the core becomes helium-enriched
c. the expansion of the outer layers of the Sun as a red giant
d. the supernova explosion caused by the collapse of the iron core
e. hydrogen detonation on the white dwarf remnant

ynlevi · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A new spacecraft called MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space ENvironment, Eochemistry, and Ranging) passed Mercury three times and then entered orbit around the planet in 2011 . It has so far provided extensive photography of Mercury's surface as well as detailed measurements of Mercury's physical properties.

MESSENGER spacecraft found a magnetic field only about 1.1 percent as strong as Earth's.

MESSENGER imaged surface hollows in many locations that may indicate a substantial amount of volatiles were incorporated in the crust and subsequently vaporized.

Answer to Question 2

c