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foxray43
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Scientists recently discovered via deep space satellites that the planet
Mercury is significantly younger than previously thought. The original thought was that Mercury's core had cooled over millions of years and died out over that huge expanse of time. By analyzing the surface data in much more detail they have discovered that the Caloris Basin was larger than thought and that volcanic cratering had occurred in somoe of the basins. Many young craters had appeared "fresh" with bright rays, but others are ringed in dark halos and one with a bright floor which defied explanation at this time.
The conclusion was that Mercury now looks complex, dynamic, and younger than billions of years old as previously thought.
Bob Strom, the only scientist who worked on both the Mariner 10 and Messenger was quoted as saying " It dawned on me that this is a whole new planet were looking at. Every part of this planet, 'seen' or 'unseen', is new."
Mercury is significantly younger than previously thought. The original thought was that Mercury's core had cooled over millions of years and died out over that huge expanse of time. By analyzing the surface data in much more detail they have discovered that the Caloris Basin was larger than thought and that volcanic cratering had occurred in somoe of the basins. Many young craters had appeared "fresh" with bright rays, but others are ringed in dark halos and one with a bright floor which defied explanation at this time.
The conclusion was that Mercury now looks complex, dynamic, and younger than billions of years old as previously thought.
Bob Strom, the only scientist who worked on both the Mariner 10 and Messenger was quoted as saying " It dawned on me that this is a whole new planet were looking at. Every part of this planet, 'seen' or 'unseen', is new."