First Mercury flyby images released
Posted: Wed, Jan 16, 2008, 8:33 AM ET (1333 GMT)
MESSENGER project scientists released late Tuesday the first images taken by the spacecraft as it flew past the planet Mercury on Monday. The images, transmitted back to Earth earlier Tuesday, show regions of the planet not previously observed before. The newly-observed regions are similar in appearance to other portions of the planet, with signs of heavy cratering. MESSENGER also observed a previously-unseen portion of the Caloris Basin, and spotted unusual dark-rimmed craters within the basin. More data, including color images, will be returned by the spacecraft in the coming days as the spacecraft moves away from Mercury. The flyby Monday was the first of three by MESSENGER through late 2009 before the spacecraft goes into orbit around Mercury in 2011.
MESSENGER project scientists released late Tuesday the first images taken by the spacecraft as it flew past the planet Mercury on Monday. The images, transmitted back to Earth earlier Tuesday, show regions of the planet not previously observed before. The newly-observed regions are similar in appearance to other portions of the planet, with signs of heavy cratering. MESSENGER also observed a previously-unseen portion of the Caloris Basin, and spotted unusual dark-rimmed craters within the basin. More data, including color images, will be returned by the spacecraft in the coming days as the spacecraft moves away from Mercury. The flyby Monday was the first of three by MESSENGER through late 2009 before the spacecraft goes into orbit around Mercury in 2011.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, January 28
Europe Needs Space Spending To Rise To 33% Of U.S. Levels: ESA Boss
Aviation Week — 5:18 am ET (1018 GMT) EU's answer to Starlink should start up in 2029, commissioner says
Reuters — 5:15 am ET (1015 GMT) Defence Commissioner calls for European Space Command
EurActiv — 5:10 am ET (1010 GMT) Actress-Turned-CEO Raises $100 Million for Space-Antenna Firm
Bloomberg News — 5:10 am ET (1010 GMT) Northwood Space’s $100 Million Funding Round Shows Interest in Space Tech Is Surging
Inc. — 5:09 am ET (1009 GMT) |
