Mercury is shrinking much more than scientists realized

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1. 1d ago

   Mercury shrinking faster and more than scientists previously estimated

   Mercury is contracting at a rate that exceeds previous scientific expectations. New evidence suggests the planet is shrinking faster than once believed, with some estimates indicating the total shrinkage could be 30% more than previously thought. The planet's cratered surface likely concealed evidence of these ancient contractions from researchers. Mercury remains the smallest planet in the solar system, measuring one-third the width of Earth and 1/29th the width of Jupiter. Scientists are currently investigating if the planet is even smaller than these updated estimates suggest.

   Why it matters

   The physical contraction of a planet provides insight into its internal cooling and geological history. Understanding the rate of shrinkage helps researchers model the evolution of planetary cores. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the timeline of Mercury's formation and cooling.

   What is confirmed

   • Mercury is shrinking faster than scientists previously thought.
   • Mercury is the smallest planet in the solar system.
   • Mercury is one-third the width of Earth.
   • Mercury is 1/29th the width of Jupiter.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Mercury may have shrunk 30% more than previously realized.
   • Scientists are investigating if Mercury is even smaller than current expectations.

   What to watch next

   • Further analysis of surface craters to confirm the exact percentage of contraction
   • New data on the cooling rate of Mercury's core
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. USA Today — Hidden clues show Mercury shrank more than previously thought
   2. The New York Times — Mercury Is Shrinking, and Faster Than We Thought
   3. Time Magazine — The Planet Mercury Has Been Shrinking—More Than Scientists Expected
   4. CNN — Scientists are trying to figure out if Mercury is even smaller than expected
   5. Mashable — Mercury is shrinking much more than scientists realized
   6. Scientific American — The planet Mercury is shrinking far faster than we thought
   7. www.columbian.com — Mercury shrinking faster than previously was believed
   8. thedebrief.org — Mercury May Have Shrunk Far More Than Scientists Realized—and Its Cratered Surface Was Hiding the Evidence
   9. www.newyorker.com — The Incredible Journey of a Migratory Shorebird
   confidence 90%