A Cratered Marvel Basking in the Sun’s Glow
Often overlooked, Mercury, the sun’s closest neighbor, is a celestial treasure trove of craters, inspiring astronomers for centuries as one of the five planets visible to the naked eye. Now, NASA graces us with a stunning depiction of this mysterious planet.
Through the lens of MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging mission), we witness a vibrant color base map illustrating the diverse chemical, mineral, and physical characteristics of Mercury’s surface. Shades of tan represent lava flows, while hues of blue reveal mineral-rich regions. Behold the captivating beauty of Mercury’s intricate landscape!
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