NASA and scientists publish topographic map of Mercury

NASA, in collaboration with several universities and research institutes, has published a topographical map of the planet Mercury. The planet can also be viewed on Monday as it passes the sun.

The map details Mercury’s surface, including craters, volcanoes and tectonic landmasses, the USGS reports. The data used to build the map comes from the Messenger spacecraft. Launched in 2004, it was part of the second mission to Mercury, after Mariner 10. In 2011, the satellite entered orbit and orbited the planet a total of more than 4,000 times, until it crashed as planned on April 30, 2015. on the surface.

The mission yielded approximately 100,000 images, which were combined to create the map. Lazlo Kestay, director of the USGS Astrogeology Science Center, said: “This highly aesthetic product literally brings a new dimension to studying images of Mercury, opening up new possibilities for understanding the surface, interior and past of Mercury.” the planet closest to the sun.”

It was difficult to put the different photos together as they were taken from different heights and locations. The incidence of light also differed due to the position in relation to the sun, which further complicated the task. Special software known as Integrated Software for Imagers and Spectrometers was used to remove these barriers.

On Monday afternoon you can also see how Mercury moves in front of the sun. The planet can be seen for about seven hours. There are then various live streams on which the Mercury transit can be followed. In the Benelux, Mercury starts its crossing at 13:12.

Topographic map of MercuryTopographic map of Mercury with labels