MERCURY
Mariner 10 in 1973 mapped 60% of
Surface.
D = 1.4 D(moon) = .35 D(earth)
No axial tilt
Day = 176 earth days = twice orbital
period
1.Rocky mantle Same density as earth
implying large metallic core,
solid because it is a small planet. Cut
down by a large impact or early solar bombardment.
2. Extremely thin atmosphere of helium,
sodium, and potassium continually
escaping into space. Temps: 425K
to 100K (-170C).
3.Rotates 3 times for every 2
revolutions--same side
faces sun at alternate perehelia (semiperiodic tidal locking).
4.Features: craters and basins filled
with lava (like moon) and scarps
formed as planet cooled. Core
was once liquid.
5. A stronger magnetic field than
expected, considering slow rotation and cool core.
A distorted magnetosphere.
6. Same sequence and timing of formation
of moon and mercury. No plate
techtonics.
7. Large impact crater--Caloris Basin
(like Orientale Basin on moon)
--jumbled hills on opposite side of planet.