New Research Shows How Mercury's Crust Formed by Extreme Volcanism

September 02, 2026 Universe Today

New Research Shows How Mercury's Crust Formed by Extreme Volcanism
By Evan Gough (https://ift.tt/UWGkYRo)

This false-color image of Mercury was created with images from NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft. The colors enhance different features on Mercury, including its chemical and mineralogical composition. The tan areas are lava plains and the blue areas are rich in darker minerals. Image Credit: NASA/(NASA PIA16853).

Researchers have figured out how to use lunar samples to determine the nature of volcanic activity on ancient Mercury. It's all based on SiO2, or silicon dioxide. Its abundance in a planet's crust reveals a lot about magma and volcanic activity.

September 2, 2026 at 11:58PM
via read more...

No comments

Subscribe to: Post Comments ( Atom )