On May 1st, 2009 the space probe, Messenger, flew by plant Mercury and captured some very interesting pictures. Sean Solomon writes in the article "Mercury Flyby Reveals Active Inner Planet" states: "One of the biggest surprises was how strongly the dynamics of the planet's magnetic field-solar wind interaction changed from what we saw during the first Mercury flyby in January 2008." "The discovery of a large and unusually well preserved impact basin shows concentrated volcanic and deformational activity." Messenger took more than 1200 pictures of the smallest planet, Mercury, and that is when the scientist noticed the 430-mile long surface crater named Rembrandt. It was thought to be more like the moon, but now is believed to be more like mars. Giant craters and evidence of volcanoes are among the findings. It is believed that it was formed around 3.9 billion years ago. It is unusual for it not to be covered by volcanic ash.
How does this impact our solar system and Earth? "Mercury is the closet of all planets to the Sun, and because of the high risk of its proximity - the sun's enormous gravitational pull and massively high levels of radiation- it is one of the most mysterious bodies in the solar system, even though it is relatively close to Earth." It is believed that the radiation is coming from the Sun. Could this destroy Mercury or could it effect the Sun? We need the Sun to help us on Earth for growth. It also effects our atmosphere, such as our ozone. Is Mercury interfering in the effect of the Sun on Earth, or is it helping block harmful radiation from reaching us? Hopefully the Messenger will be able to take images of other planets and determine the effects, whether good or bad, on Earth.
No comments:
Post a Comment