Mercury - NASA Press Release

NASA'S MESSENGER REVEALS GLOBAL VIEWS FROM MERCURY ORBIT

Date: June 16, 2011, at 1 p.m. EDT

Introduction

NASA's MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft entered orbit around Mercury on March 18, becoming the first spacecraft ever to do so. MESSENGER’s instruments are performing the first complete reconnaissance of the planet’s geochemistry, geophysics, geologic history, atmosphere, magnetosphere, and plasma environment. After nearly three months in orbit, the payload is providing a wealth of new information about Mercury, as well as a few surprises.

Panelists

- Brett W. Denevi, Staff Scientist, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Md.
- Larry R. Nittler, Staff Scientist, Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Sean C. Solomon, MESSENGER Principal Investigator, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Ralph L. McNutt, Jr., MESSENGER Project Scientist, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Md.