NASA Scientists Have Made a Complete Planetary Surface Mercury Map
Andrew Sztein — March 9, 2013 — Tech
Just in case you feel like visiting the closest planet to the sun one these days, NASA has managed to make a complete Mercury map.
Using advanced imaging techniques, the Mercury map is actually a pretty amazing marvel of modern astrophotography. A NASA probe named Messenger has been orbiting Mercury since March 2011, and only now has it completed its Mercury map. The big challenges come from collecting images in the parts of the planet that are perpetually in shadow. Originally, roughly half the surface of the planet was mapped by the Mariner probe in the 70s, but Messenger has not only filled in the missing holes, but also upped the resolution of the existing images. According to NASA, every single square meter of terrain has now been mapped.
I can't wait for the tourist attractions to start popping up in between craters. Just make sure to pack your 20,000,000 SPF sunblock before you book your trip.
Using advanced imaging techniques, the Mercury map is actually a pretty amazing marvel of modern astrophotography. A NASA probe named Messenger has been orbiting Mercury since March 2011, and only now has it completed its Mercury map. The big challenges come from collecting images in the parts of the planet that are perpetually in shadow. Originally, roughly half the surface of the planet was mapped by the Mariner probe in the 70s, but Messenger has not only filled in the missing holes, but also upped the resolution of the existing images. According to NASA, every single square meter of terrain has now been mapped.
I can't wait for the tourist attractions to start popping up in between craters. Just make sure to pack your 20,000,000 SPF sunblock before you book your trip.
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Industry Implications
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