In a first-time ever maneuver, NASA’s MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging space probe — aka “Messenger” — entered Mercury’s orbit Thursday. The sun’s closest planetary neighbor, Mercury is hot and harsh, presenting conditions no human astronaut could endure. Messenger, however, will hover as close as 124 miles from the planet’s surface, sending data back that should capture some serious science, including Mercury’s wild climatological swings. Areas bathed in sunlight can reach 840 degrees F, while shaded areas can drop 1,100 degrees, hitting minus 350 degrees F.
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Hotshot Maneuver Propels Messenger Into Mercury's Orbit
Posted by: Mike Martin March 18, 2011 02:32 PMIn a first-time ever maneuver, NASA’s MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging space probe — aka “Messenger” — entered Mercury’s orbit Thursday. The sun’s closest planetary neighbor, Mercury is hot and harsh, presenting conditions no human astronaut could endure. Messenger, however, will hover as close as 124 miles from the planet’s surface, sending data back that should capture some serious science, including Mercury’s wild climatological swings. Areas bathed in sunlight can reach 840 degrees F, while shaded areas can drop 1,100 degrees, hitting minus 350 degrees F.