Mercury 's Molten Magma - 4 Billion Years Ago
Thursday, February 21, 2013 - 20:20
in Earth & Climate
By analyzing data gathered by MESSENGER (MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging), a NASA probe that has orbited the planet since March 2011, researchers looking at X-ray fluorescence identified two distinct compositions of rocks on the planet's surface. A planetary puzzle: What geological processes could have given rise to such distinct surface compositions? Now, drawing upon the chemical composition of rock features on the planet's surface, scientists at MIT may have an answer. They have proposed that Mercury may have harbored a large, roiling ocean of magma very early in its history, shortly after its formation about 4.5 billion years ago. read more