Mercury is shrinking

Posted on Wednesday, July 09 2008 @ 8:50 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Studies by the Messenger spacecraft have shown that Mercury, the smallest planet in the Solar System, is shrinking. Scientists say the planet has contracted by about 1.5 kilometers in diameter over its history and believe the shrinkage is caused by the planet's cooling core.
Scientists believe the shrinkage is due to the planet's core slowly cooling.

Studies published in the journal Science show the same process also powers the planet's magnetic field, a topic long debated by scientists.

"Cooling of the planet's core not only fuelled the magnetic dynamo, it also led to contraction of the entire planet," said Principal Investigator Sean Solomon of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, US.

"And the data from the flyby indicate that the total contraction is at least one-third greater than we previously thought.
More details at BBC News.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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