Mercury is shrinking faster than scientists thought — here’s why
- Mercury has shrunk by up to 23 km in diameter since it formed, according to a new study of its surface.
- Scientists found signs of the shrinking in wrinkles, ridges and scarps formed as the planet’s interior cooled.
- The planet may have contracted 10–30% more than earlier estimates because asteroid debris hid some of these features.
- ESA-JAXA’s BepiColombo mission is expected to begin studying Mercury in higher detail later this year, potentially revealing more clues.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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