MERCURY

THE BASICS

• Closest planet to the sun
• Smallest planet in our solar system
• Made up of 70% metals and 30% silicate material
• Surface lacks iron and titanium
• Terrestrial planet (like Venus, Earth, and Mars)

THE BASICS

• Mercury rotates slowly on its axis.
• Completes one rotation every 59 earth days
• Can't live on Mercury due to lack of atmosphere and extreme temperatures
• No tectonic activity has been observed on Mercury
• Gravity is 1/3 of Earths

SURFACE FEATURES

• Smooth Plains
• Inter-crater plains (70% of the surface)
• Rugged highlands (similar to the moon)

EXPLORATION OF MERCURY

• Mariner 10 was the first aircraft to explore Mercury. (1974-1975).
• MESSENGER became the first spacecraft to orbit Mercury on March 18, 2011.
• As of May 24, 2013 MESSENGER has orbited Mercury 2,000 times.
• This has provided information on Mercury's solar magnetic field.
• MESSENGER revealed volcanic deposits on the planet's surface

Untitled Slide

VIDEO

COOL MERCURY FACTS

• On it's 3rd fly by Mariner 10 ran out of fuel (is still orbiting)
• First recorded in 14th century BC by Assyrian Astronomers
• Second densest planet
• Most cratered planet in our solar system
• Second hottest planet behind Venus

THE END