Mercury's Scorched Surface explores the compelling story of the solar system's innermost planet, a world of extreme temperatures and unique geology. Mercury presents a fascinating puzzle for planetary scientists, with temperature variations ranging hundreds of degrees and a surprisingly large iron core. The book examines these extreme conditions and the planet's surface features, such as its impact craters and enigmatic “hollows,” to reveal insights into planetary formation and evolution.
This book approaches the topic by first introducing Mercury's basic characteristics, then detailing the extreme temperature ranges and their effects. Next, the book discusses the planet's surface, and concludes with current research and future missions.
Data from missions like MESSENGER and BepiColombo, along with ground-based observations, inform our understanding of Mercury's composition and magnetic field. By studying Mercury, a rocky planet, we can better understand the processes shaping other planets, including our own, and address ongoing debates, such as the origin of Mercury's magnetic field.
