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Mariner 10 mosaic of Mercury
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Mariner 10 mosaic of Mercury
Mercury. Mariner 10 spacecraft mosaic image of Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun. Areas for which data is missing are blank. The surface of Mercury is heavily cratered due to impacts from meteorites. It also has lines of cliffs which are up to 3 kilometres (km) high and 500 km long. These escarpments may have been formed by the planets crust wrinkling as the core cooled and contracted billions of years ago. The surface rocks are generally dark and a poor reflector of sunlight. Mercury has about the density as Earth, though it has only about 5% of the volume and mass of our planet. The Mariner 10 spacecraft imaged Mercury on three flybys during 1974-75
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Media ID 6426125
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This print showcases a stunning mosaic of Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun. Taken by the Mariner 10 spacecraft during its three flybys in 1974-75, this image offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the mysterious world of Mercury. The heavily cratered surface serves as a testament to the countless impacts from meteorites that have shaped this celestial body over billions of years. One remarkable feature captured in this image is the presence of immense cliffs, reaching heights of up to 3 kilometers and stretching across an impressive distance of 500 kilometers. These awe-inspiring escarpments are believed to have formed when Mercury's crust wrinkled as its core cooled and contracted long ago. The dark-colored rocks covering Mercury's surface contribute to its poor reflection of sunlight, making it appear dimmer compared to other planets. Despite having similar density as Earth, Mercury possesses only about 5% of our planet's volume and mass. As we delve deeper into understanding our universe, images like these provide invaluable insights into distant worlds beyond our reach. This extraordinary photograph not only captures the scientific significance but also highlights the sheer beauty and wonder inherent in exploring new frontiers such as Mercury.
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