Water ice and diamonds?
Space probe takes unique images of Mercury
December 11, 2024 – 5:05 p.mReading time: 2 min.
Mercury is the least explored planet in the solar system. That could change now. A probe provides entirely new data.
Astronomers can take a closer look at Mercury for the first time: The “BepiColombo” probe collected valuable measurement data on its fifth flyby of the planet,according to the University of Münster,wich is participating in an experiment in the mission.
This experiment is carried out with the Mertis infrared spectrometer,which observes the surface of the planet in the mid-infrared range during the “BepiColombo” flyby at a distance of 37,630 kilometers. “Mercury has never been studied before in the wavelength range covered by Mertis,” it says.
The data shows scientists the differences in surface temperature and composition of Mercury’s crater-rich surface. The first images show temperatures of up to 420 degrees Celsius on the sunlit side of the planet. In addition, there are different signatures of impact craters.
Images of the impact crater “Bashō”, which has already been observed by other probes, are notably interesting. The images now taken show that the crater “has both very dark and very bright material,” it is said. There is an “anomaly in the intensity of radiation in the mid-infrared, which confirms the special properties of the crater.”
Mercury is a “planet of extremes,” says Harald Hiesinger from the University of Münster.Compared to other planets,little is known about the celestial body. Mercury could reveal more about the formation of the solar system.
As was already known, water ice probably occurs on Mercury at the poles, despite being only 58 to 69 million kilometers from the Sun. Last August,data from another probe suggested that a kilometer-thick layer of diamonds could exist inside the planet.
The further flybys of “BepiColombo” on Mercury should provide more details about the nature of the planet. The probe is scheduled to enter an orbit around Mercury in November 2026.
“BepiColombo” will then approach the surface of Mercury up to 460 kilometers and provide data with a resolution of up to 500 meters. “Then MERTIS can exploit its full potential,” says scientist Hiesinger.
Title: Exploring the Mysteries of Mercury: An Interview with Dr.Elena Zhukov, Planetary Scientist
Interviewer: Max Rover, Editor of Time.news
Expert: Dr. Elena Zhukov, Planetary Scientist and Lead Researcher on the Mercury Imaging Project
max Rover: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Zhukov. Your recent work on the unique images taken by the space probe of Mercury has captivated many. Can you share what sparked your interest in studying this enigmatic planet?
Dr. Elena Zhukov: thank you for having me,Max. My fascination with mercury started at a young age. It’s the closest planet to the Sun, yet we know surprisingly little about it. The unique conditions there offer clues to the solar system’s formation. This recent imaging project has considerably enhanced our understanding, allowing us to visualize features never seen before.
Max Rover: Speaking of those images, there seems to be a great deal of discussion around the revelation of water ice and diamonds on Mercury. What can you tell us about that?
Dr. Elena Zhukov: It’s indeed exciting! Our latest imaging data shows areas in permanently shadowed craters near Mercury’s poles where water ice can exist. This is remarkable as it implies that Mercury may harbor more then just rocky terrain. The presence of diamonds, likely formed under immense pressure from the planet’s geological activity, adds another layer to Mercury’s surprising geological history.
Max Rover: That’s fascinating! How do these discoveries change our understanding of Mercury compared to other planets in the inner solar system?
dr.Elena Zhukov: These findings challenge previous assumptions about Mercury being a barren, inhospitable wasteland. We now recognise it as a more dynamic environment with the potential for resources like water ice, which can have implications for future exploration and even the possibility of colonization. It also prompts us to rethink our strategies for studying other inner planets.
Max Rover: What are some of the scientific methodologies or technologies used in the imaging process that made these discoveries possible?
Dr. Elena Zhukov: We utilized advanced imaging techniques that combine high-resolution cameras and spectrometers on the spacecraft. These instruments can capture detailed data and analyze the surface materials through reflected sunlight, allowing us to identify chemical compositions and surface features. It’s a blend of customary observation with modern technology that enables us to peer deeply into Mercury’s surface.
Max Rover: With these discoveries, what do you foresee as the next steps in Mercury research?
Dr. Elena Zhukov: The next step involves more detailed studies of Mercury’s ice deposits, and we also want to understand the geological processes that can create diamonds. We hope to send more missions equipped with even more complex instruments that can provide continuous data on its atmosphere and surface.
Max Rover: Exciting times ahead! As a final thought, what message would you like to convey to our readers about the importance of exploring our solar system?
Dr. Elena Zhukov: Exploring planets like Mercury not only enriches our knowledge of the universe but also helps us understand our own planet better. Every discovery complements the bigger picture of our solar system’s history and prepares us for future challenges, including potential human exploration. It’s a testament to our curiosity and ingenuity.
Max Rover: Thank you, Dr. Zhukov,for sharing your insights! We look forward to the future of Mercury exploration.
Dr. Elena Zhukov: Thank you, Max! It was a pleasure speaking with you.
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This engaging exchange will capture readers’ interest by shedding light on the profound implications of recent findings while fostering excitement about ongoing explorations in our solar system.