Solar system’s smallest planet is getting even smaller
Astronomers have discovered a massive dwarf planet candidate orbiting far beyond Pluto in the outer solar system. Provisionally named 2026 ED138, the icy celestial body was spotted by a scientist analyzing data from the Simonyi Survey Telescope at the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Harvard astrophysicists and other researchers note the object is up to 1,500 kilometers or between 372 and 932 miles wide, placing it among the largest objects ever identified past Neptune. This discovery could expand the official roster of recognized dwarf planets in our solar system from five to six.
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- ✓ The Vera C. Rubin Observatory discovered a dwarf planet candidate provisionally designated 2026 ED138 beyond Pluto.
- ✓ The object orbits about 46 astronomical units away from Earth.
- ✓ Harvard astrophysicists and other scientists state that the body is among the largest objects identified in the outer solar system so far.
What changed
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory discovered a massive dwarf planet candidate designated 2026 ED138 orbiting beyond Pluto.
Live updates
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Astronomers Discover Potential New Dwarf Planet Beyond Pluto
Astronomers have discovered a massive dwarf planet candidate orbiting far beyond Pluto in the outer solar system. Provisionally named 2026 ED138, the icy celestial body was spotted by a scientist analyzing data from the Simonyi Survey Telescope at the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Harvard astrophysicists and other researchers note the object is up to 1,500 kilometers or between 372 and 932 miles wide, placing it among the largest objects ever identified past Neptune. This discovery could expand the official roster of recognized dwarf planets in our solar system from five to six.
Why it matters
The outer solar system remains a largely unexplored region containing distant celestial bodies that are difficult to detect because they hide among millions of Milky Way stars. Finding such a large object provides new insight into the population of bodies orbiting far beyond Neptune. Researchers indicate this find could alter existing knowledge about the outer reaches of our planetary system.
What is confirmed
- The Vera C. Rubin Observatory discovered a dwarf planet candidate provisionally designated 2026 ED138 beyond Pluto.
- The object orbits about 46 astronomical units away from Earth.
- Harvard astrophysicists and other scientists state that the body is among the largest objects identified in the outer solar system so far.
Still unconfirmed
- The object measures up to 1,500 kilometers wide or between 372 and 932 miles wide.
- The body could become the solar system's sixth recognized dwarf planet.
What to watch next
- Official classification of 2026 ED138 as a dwarf planet by governing astronomical bodies
- Further telescopic observations to refine the exact size and orbit of the candidate object
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (10)
- www.universetoday.com — Universe Today - Space and Astronomy News
- www.astronomy.com — Astronomy Magazine: Space News, Observing, Planets, Galaxies
- www.cnn.com — ‘It’s big’: Astronomers make startling discovery of a possible dwarf planet beyond Pluto
- gizmodo.com — Rubin Observatory Spots Possible Dwarf Planet Beyond Pluto—the Biggest in 20 Years
- mashable.com — Scientists think they've just discovered a new dwarf planet like Pluto
- tech.yahoo.com — Scientists discover massive new dwarf planet near Pluto
- Phys.org — Rubin Observatory reveals its first dwarf planet candidate in our solar system
- www.martincid.com — Rubin Observatory found a possible sixth dwarf planet up to 1,500 km wide – Martin Cid Magazine
- www.wgbh.org — Potential new dwarf planet found by Harvard astrophysicists | GBH
- starlust.org — Vera C. Rubin Observatory may have discovered one of the largest dwarf planets hidden beyond Pluto - Starlust
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Japan Launches Five-Agency Mission to Phobos
Five global space agencies have combined forces for a five-year mission targeting the moons of Mars. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency launched the spacecraft from Tanegashima Island before dawn. The mission will attempt to land a robotic prospector and a rover on Phobos, the larger and closer Martian moon, to retrieve samples and return them to Earth. This unprecedented effort follows decades of successful landings by NASA and China, though no agency has previously returned samples from the Martian system.
Why it matters
Previous space agency efforts at Mars focused exclusively on landing on the planetary surface rather than its moons. The five-year mission aims to uncover the origins of Mars and its two small moons, Phobos and Deimos. Japan previously scheduled the spacecraft to reach the Martian system in August 2027 and return samples to Earth in 2031.
What is confirmed
- A Japanese spacecraft launched toward Mars before dawn from Tanegashima Island.
- Five of the world's space agencies joined forces for the five-year mission.
- The mission attempts to land a robotic prospector and a rover on Phobos.
What to watch next
- Arrival of the spacecraft at the Martian system in August 2027
- Execution of the robotic prospector and rover landing on Phobos
- Progress on returning samples to Earth in 2031
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Saudi Arabia Turns To Iran Amid Houthi Strikes, Dealing Trump A Major Gulf Blow? - Times of India Videos
- english.aawsat.com — Japan Launches Spacecraft to Mysterious Moons of Mars
- earthsky.org — Is the Mars Grand Canyon still tectonically active? - EarthSky
- eos.org — Was the Moon-Forming Impact Squishy or Crunchy? - Eos
- Phys.org — Milky Way's disk grew 'upside down,' with younger stars forming in ever-thinner layers
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Japan Launches Unprecedented Mission to Mars Moon Phobos
Japan has launched an unprecedented space mission to explore the origins of Mars and its two moons, Phobos and Deimos. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency spacecraft is scheduled to reach the Martian system in August 2027. It aims to land on the Martian moon Phobos and return samples to Earth in 2031. No previous space agency has returned samples from Mars or its moons, despite NASA landing nine spacecraft over the past fifty years and China touching down in 2021.
Why it matters
Mars has two tiny moons that resemble lumpy space potatoes, and scientists currently do not know how they formed or how the planet acquired them. Japan's newly launched MMX mission seeks to answer these questions by capturing the first-ever material samples from a Martian moon. This exploratory effort highlights ongoing international focus on the Martian system and planetary origins.
What is confirmed
- Japan launched a mission to land on the Martian moon Phobos and return samples to Earth.
- The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency spacecraft is expected to reach the Martian system in August 2027.
- The mission aims to return samples from Phobos to Earth in 2031.
- NASA has landed nine spacecraft on Mars over the past fifty years and China touched down in 2021.
What to watch next
- The spacecraft arrival at the Martian system in August 2027
- Progress and updates regarding the sample return scheduled for 2031
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (10)
- www.theguardian.com — AI godfather Geoffrey Hinton: ‘We’re creating alien beings. I’m willing to be selfish and choose humans’ | Donald Trump
- www.koreatimes.co.kr — Saudi Arabia strikes Yemen capital as Houthis vow to retaliate
- www.euronews.com — Japan launches unprecedented mission to bring back samples from Mars' moon Phobos | Euronews
- www.postcourier.com.pg — Drum – Tidbit
- www.scientificamerican.com — How did Mars get its moons? Japan’s MMX mission is about to find out
- www.wdsu.com — Mars’ two tiny moons shouldn’t exist. A new mission has launched to reveal their secrets - WDSU
- interestingengineering.com — Japan's Mars moon mission face unique challenges ahead in sample quest
- skyandtelescope.org — Webb and Spitzer Telescopes Explore the Planets That Never Were - Sky & Telescope
- www.smithsonianmag.com — Scientists Don't Know How Mars Acquired Its Two Moons. Japan Just Launched a Historic Space Mission That Will Fetch Samples to Fin....
- www.ctvnews.ca — What exactly are Mars’ two moons?
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Mercury Shrinks as Smallest Planet Cools
Mercury, the solar system's smallest planet and the closest planet to the Sun, is shrinking at an accelerated rate as it cools and solidifies over time. Scientists have documented wrinkles across the planetary surface that confirm a total shrinkage of 23 kilometers since its initial formation. Recent scientific observations indicate this contraction process is speeding up, drawing intense interest from researchers studying planetary evolution. This ongoing reduction in size highlights dynamic geological changes occurring on terrestrial worlds as their internal temperatures drop over billions of years.
Why it matters
Mercury is only slightly larger than Earth's Moon. Researchers study its ongoing reduction in size to understand the geological changes that occur on terrestrial worlds as their internal temperatures drop over long periods.
What is confirmed
- Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and the smallest planet in our solar system.
- Mercury is only slightly larger than Earth's Moon.
- Mercury is shrinking at an accelerated rate as it cools and solidifies over time.
- Scientists have documented wrinkles across the planetary surface confirming a total shrinkage of 23 kilometers since initial formation.
What to watch next
- Further observations on the shrinking speed of Mercury
- New findings from researchers studying planetary evolution and terrestrial cooling mechanisms
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (10)
- www.sciencedaily.com — Solar System News -- ScienceDaily
- www.sun-sentinel.com — Environment and Climate Change
- www.newgeography.com — Our Incredible Shrinking Planet | Newgeography.com
- science.nasa.gov — Mercury - Science@NASA
- nypost.com — New York Post – Breaking News, Top Headlines, Photos & Videos
- abcnews.com — ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
- tech.yahoo.com — 5 Classic SNES Games That Are Unplayable Today - Yahoo Tech
- www.youtube.com — The Closest Planet to Our Sun Is Shrinking at Impossible Speed
- en.wikipedia.org — Lists of minor planets - Wikipedia
- science.nasa.gov — Pluto - Science@NASA
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Mercury Shrinks Faster Than Thought
Mercury, the solar system's smallest planet, is shrinking at an accelerated rate as it cools and solidifies over time. Scientists have documented wrinkles across the planetary surface that confirm a total shrinkage of 23 kilometers since its initial formation. Recent scientific observations indicate this contraction process is speeding up, drawing intense interest from researchers studying planetary evolution. This ongoing reduction in size highlights the dynamic geological changes occurring on terrestrial worlds as their internal temperatures drop over billions of years.
Why it matters
Mercury is the smallest planet in the solar system. Previous observations confirmed a shrinkage of 23 kilometers since its formation due to cooling and solidification. Recent studies show this contraction is accelerating.
What is confirmed
- Mercury is the smallest planet in the solar system.
- Mercury has shrunk by 23 kilometers since its formation.
- The shrinkage of Mercury is attributed to its cooling and solidification over time.
- Recent studies suggest that Mercury's contraction may be accelerating.
What to watch next
- Further geological studies measuring the exact current rate of Mercury's contraction
- Additional spacecraft observations confirming the depth and distribution of surface wrinkles
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (18)
- www.nytimes.com — The New York Times - Breaking News, US News, World News and Videos
- nypost.com — Latest Space News: Meteor Showers, Planets, & More | New York Post
- www.dailymail.com — UK Home | Daily Mail Online
- www.space.com — Space.com: NASA, Space Exploration and Astronomy News
- science.nasa.gov — Solar System Exploration - Science@NASA
- arynews.tv — Dying sun will destroy the outer solar system billions of years earlier than expected - ARY News
- gizmodo.com — The Sun’s Death Could Tear Apart the Outer Solar System Much Sooner Than Thought - Gizmodo
- astrobiology.com — First Detection Of Variable Water Clouds Outside Of Our Solar System - Astrobiology
- www.martincid.com — The solar system’s giant planets break apart in 9 of 10 simulations – Martin Cid Magazine
- www.slashgear.com — 10 Downsides To Solar Farms Everyone Should Be Aware Of - SlashGear
- help.naver.com — Futures Flat As Oil Rebounds After Trump's "Energy Ceasefire" Unravels, Memory Stocks Slide | ZeroHedge
- theconversation.com — What we talk about when we talk about US strategic ‘credibility’ – from Vietnam to Iran
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Mercury shrinking faster than expected
Mercury, the smallest planet in the solar system, is shrinking faster than previously thought. Scientists have observed wrinkles on its surface, confirming its shrinkage of 23 kilometers since its formation. Recent studies suggest that Mercury's contraction may be accelerating. The planet's size decrease is attributed to its cooling and solidification over time.
Why it matters
Mercury's shrinkage has significant implications for understanding planetary lifecycles. The discovery of new planets forming from the remains of dead stars offers a contrast to Mercury's gradual contraction. Astronomers continue to study the formation and evolution of planets in our solar system and beyond.
What is confirmed
- Mercury has decreased in size by 23 kilometers since its formation.
- The planet's shrinkage is attributed to its cooling and solidification over time.
- Astronomers have identified a cold lava planet and a potential second-generation planet orbiting a white dwarf.
Still unconfirmed
- A faint infrared object may be the long-sought planet hiding beyond Neptune.
What to watch next
- Further research on Mercury's shrinkage rate
- Discovery of new planets forming from dead stars
- NASA's continued study of planetary formation and evolution
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (15)
- enterpriseam.com — CIB signs on to anchor MNT-Halan IPO
- www.ctvnews.ca — ‘Phoenix planet’ born from dying star's ashes
- mashable.com — Astronomers spot signs of a planet born from a dying star's remains
- www.space.com — Earth and Mars may be neighboring rocky worlds but they were built in different ways | Space
- english.cas.cn — A Stellar Encounter May Turn an Earth-like Planet into a Gas Giant: Study Chinese Academy of Sciences
- www.space.com — Cheaper than ever, this smart telescope "Makes capturing the deep sky and the solar system almost effortl....
- www.technologyreview.com — X-energy and its helium-cooled nuclear reactors - 테크놀로지리뷰
- aasnova.org — Tilting WASP-12b Doesn’t Solve the Mystery of Its Inspiral
- www.skyatnightmagazine.com — Space companies want to send humans to Mars. But how realistic is it? These are the fiercest dangers we f....
- theconversation.com — A new theory explains how water first arrived on Earth
- www.zmescience.com — Astronomers May Have Found the First Direct Hint of Planet Nine - ZME Science
- en.wikipedia.org — List of possible dwarf planets - Wikipedia
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Mercury continues to shrink as astronomers find new planetary worlds
Mercury remains the smallest planet in the solar system and has decreased in size by 23 kilometers since its formation. While surface wrinkles confirm this shrinkage, recent astronomical research has expanded the understanding of planetary lifecycles. Scientists have identified a cold lava planet and a potential second-generation planet orbiting a white dwarf. These discoveries suggest that new worlds can form from the remains of dead stars, offering a contrast to the gradual contraction seen on Mercury.
Why it matters
The shrinkage of Mercury provides data on the cooling and contraction of rocky planetary cores. Recent discoveries of exoplanets and phoenix planets help scientists model how planets evolve and whether the death of a star can trigger new planetary births.
Still unconfirmed
- A second-generation planet may be orbiting a white dwarf.
- A new cold lava planet has been discovered.
- The death of the sun could lead to the creation of new worlds.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the white dwarf planet's existence.
- Further analysis of the cold lava planet's composition.
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.space.com — Astronomers discover a cold lava planet that may resemble early Earth | Space
- www.cnn.com — Astronomers detect possible planet born from a dead star’s ashes
- heymodel.com — heymodel.com for sale | Spaceship.com
- www.sciencenews.org — A ‘phoenix’ planet was born from the ashes of its dead star
- www.newswise.com — Suns Set on Hunt for Giant Planets in Nearby Binary System | Newswise
- theconversation.com — NASA goes on an ESCAPADE – twin small, low-cost orbiters will examine Mars’ atmosphere
- www.space.com — Mars polar ice is refreshingly pristine. What does this mean for life on the Red Planet? | Space
- theconversation.com — Space exploration in the backyard, on a budget – how NASA simulates conditions in space without blastin....
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Mercury, Solar System's Smallest Planet, Shrinking
Mercury, the smallest planet in our solar system, is experiencing significant shrinkage. It has shrunk by 23 kilometers since its formation. This shrinkage is evident from wrinkles on the planet's surface.
Why it matters
The discovery provides insights into Mercury's history and formation. Scientists had previously underestimated the extent of Mercury's shrinkage. Understanding Mercury's evolution helps researchers learn more about the solar system's origins.
What is confirmed
- Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system.
- Mercury has shrunk by 23 kilometers since its formation.
What to watch next
- Further research on Mercury's surface
- More data on the solar system's formation
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- astrobiology.com — A Glimpse of the Solar System's Origins: Striking Details on ...
- www.universetoday.com — JWST Finds Dynamic Structural Evolution in Chariklo’s Rings
- Phys.org — Q&A: An Earth-like planet with two suns?
- www.kcur.org — Kansas City can see Saturn at its brightest this weekend. Here's how to find it | KCUR - Kansas City news....
- starwalk.space — Neptune: The Farthest & Windiest Planet in the Solar System
- www.eurasiareview.com — Robert Reich: Mercury Is Shrinking, So Am I – OpEd
- astrobiology.com — An Earth-like Planet With Two Suns? - Astrobiology
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Mercury, the smallest planet, is shrinking faster than thought
Mercury, the smallest planet in our solar system, is experiencing significant shrinkage. The planet has shrunk by 23 kilometers since its formation, which is far more than scientists had previously estimated. This shrinkage is evident from wrinkles on the planet's surface, which are clues to its previous size.
Why it matters
Mercury is a rocky planet with a trace atmosphere and a surface gravity slightly lower than that of Mars. Its surface is cratered, with an expansive rupes system generated from thrust faults, and bright ray systems, formed by ejecta. Understanding Mercury's shrinkage provides insights into the planet's history and composition.
What is confirmed
- Mercury is the smallest planet in the Solar System.
- Mercury has shrunk by 23 kilometers since its formation.
- The surface of Mercury is cratered, with an expansive rupes system and bright ray systems.
What to watch next
- Further research on Mercury's composition and internal structure
- More precise measurements of Mercury's shrinkage rate
- Studies on the implications of Mercury's shrinkage for its geological history
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (15)
- www.wbur.org — What we can actually do to save the planet | On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti
- www.sciencefocus.com — Mercury is shrinking faster than anyone thought | BBC Science Focus Magazine
- en.wikipedia.org — Mercury (planet) - Wikipedia
- futurism.com — Harvard Scientists Detect Radio Signal Coming Directly From Planet Outside the Solar System
- www.space.com — Asteroid samples from NASA's epic OSIRIS-REx mission show Bennu was born from fire and ice | Space
- scitechdaily.com — The Solar System’s First Worlds Were Built From Fire, Not Ice - SciTechDaily
- www.space.com — Decoding Earth's magnetic field may help scientists treat Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Here's how | Space
- Phys.org — Suns set on hunt for giant planets in nearby binary system
- Phys.org — Webb detects ammonia and unexpected chill on a distant giant planet
- www.yourweather.co.uk — Unusual: Mercury, the smallest planet in the Solar System ...
- www.skyatnightmagazine.com — Mercury is shrinking faster than expected. Here's how the ...
- www.space.com — Icy moons may hold on to their underground oceans even after being smashed apart | Space
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James Webb Space Telescope tracks ring shadows and newborn celestial bodies
Recent observations by the James Webb Space Telescope reveal that the rings of the small body Chariklo are growing and fading, as detected through their shadows. In addition, researchers identified a large group of the smallest brown dwarfs ever discovered in IC 348, with the lightest weighing just twice the mass of Jupiter. These findings join ongoing astronomical updates regarding small planetary bodies and young worlds across the solar system and beyond.
Why it matters
Astronomers continue to refine models of planetary evolution and star formation by observing the smallest bodies in space. Data from the James Webb Space Telescope provides critical insights into distant objects, ranging from ring systems around small bodies to newborn exoplanets and brown dwarfs. These discoveries challenge existing theories about how stars and planetary systems develop.
What is confirmed
- The James Webb Space Telescope revealed that the rings of Chariklo are growing and fading based on their shadows.
Still unconfirmed
- The James Webb Space Telescope found the lightest brown dwarfs ever confirmed in IC 348, weighing just twice Jupiter's mass.
- Astronomers confirmed Elias 2-24 b as the youngest known exoplanet, showing a giant planet still in the process of forming.
What to watch next
- Further telescopic analysis of Chariklo's ring shadow behavior
- Additional spectroscopic data on the IC 348 brown dwarfs
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.zmescience.com — This Tiny World in Our Solar System Has Rings Like Saturn and James Webb Found They’re Growing and Fading
- www.earth.com — Webb finds a large group of the smallest brown dwarfs ever discovered, adding new insights about how stars are formed
- www.earth.com — Youngest planet ever found is still growing around its star
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Mercury continues contraction as astronomers study small celestial bodies
Mercury is shrinking 30% faster than earlier estimates because of aggressive internal cooling. This contraction occurs while researchers track other small-body anomalies, including the changing rings of the 250 km wide body Chariklo. Additionally, James Webb telescope data indicates that icy bodies beyond Neptune are less common than previous models predicted, though their colors may hold clues about how they formed. These findings collectively refine the scientific understanding of how small planetary bodies evolve and distribute across the solar system.
Why it matters
Mercury remains the smallest planet in the solar system, measuring one-third the width of Earth. Current research focuses on planetary shrinkage and the composition of distant, icy worlds to understand early solar system formation.
What is confirmed
- Mercury is contracting 30% faster than previous estimates.
- Mercury is one-third the width of Earth and 1/29th the width of Jupiter.
Still unconfirmed
- Chariklo is approximately 250 km across and possesses two changing rings.
- Icy bodies beyond Neptune are scarcer than some models predicted.
- The colors of icy bodies beyond Neptune may preserve traces of their formation.
What to watch next
- Further data on the rate of Mercury's internal cooling
- Additional Webb telescope surveys of the region beyond Neptune
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (2)
- arstechnica.com — Rings around a tiny body have changed over the past decade
- scitechdaily.com — Astronomers Expected More Tiny Worlds Beyond Neptune – Webb Found Something Else
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Mercury shrinking faster than prior estimates as researchers study planetary bodies
Mercury is contracting 30% faster than previous estimates due to aggressive internal cooling. The planet is currently one-third the width of Earth and 1/29th the width of Jupiter. While this shrinkage continues, astrophysicists are examining other planetary anomalies, such as why Venus lacks a moon. Other astronomical research focuses on planetary origins, including the discovery of the Jupiter-sized planet Elias 2-24 b, which is under a million years old, and the study of small worlds beyond Neptune that share the composition of larger planets.
Why it matters
Planetary size and composition provide clues about how solar systems form and evolve. Understanding why some planets shrink or lack satellites helps scientists model the internal thermal history of rocky worlds.
Still unconfirmed
- Venus may have swallowed its moon according to a theory presented by a California-based astrophysicist.
What to watch next
- Peer review of the Venus moon consumption theory
- Further measurements of Mercury's contraction rate
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (2)
- nypost.com — Astrophysics study suggests Venus may have swallowed its moon
- Phys.org — In 2025, the ozone hole shrunk to one of its smallest sizes in decades
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Mercury continues rapid contraction as astronomers study planetary formation
Mercury is shrinking 30% faster than earlier estimates, signaling an aggressive internal cooling process. The planet currently measures one-third the width of Earth and approximately 1/29th the width of Jupiter. While researchers investigate if Mercury is smaller than expected, broader astronomical studies are examining planetary origins. These include the discovery of Elias 2-24 b, a Jupiter-size planet under a million years old, and the analysis of small worlds beyond Neptune that retain the composition of larger planets.
Why it matters
Understanding the shrinkage of Mercury helps scientists model the thermal evolution of rocky planets. These findings contrast with the study of infant planets and primordial debris that reveal how giant worlds first coalesce.
Still unconfirmed
- Mercury is contracting 30% faster than previous estimates.
- Elias 2-24 b is a Jupiter-size planet less than a million years old.
- Tiny worlds beyond Neptune preserve the colors and compositions of larger counterparts.
What to watch next
- Determination of Mercury's total current size.
- Peer review of the formation speed of Elias 2-24 b.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.earth.com — Tiny worlds beyond Neptune still remember how they were made
- www.sciencedaily.com — Astronomers just found the youngest known planet ever
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Mercury shrinking 30% faster than previous estimates
Mercury is contracting at a rate 30% faster than astronomers previously estimated. This accelerated shrinkage indicates the planet's internal cooling process is more aggressive than prior models suggested. Mercury currently measures one-third the width of Earth and roughly 1/29th the width of Jupiter. Researchers are analyzing data to determine if the planet's total size is even smaller than currently expected.
Why it matters
Mercury is the smallest planet in the solar system. Rapid contraction suggests an unstable or fast-cooling interior. This process alters the planet's physical dimensions and surface characteristics.
What to watch next
- Analysis of hidden clues to determine if Mercury is smaller than expected
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- metro.co.uk — Scientists find 27 strange new objects hovering on the edge of our Solar System
- www.independent.co.uk — Scientists discover 27 mysterious objects in far reaches of solar system
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Mercury shrinking 30% faster than astronomers previously believed
Mercury is contracting more rapidly than scientists initially realized. New data indicates the solar system's smallest planet is shrinking 30% faster than previous astronomical estimates. Researchers are currently analyzing hidden clues to determine if the planet is even smaller than expected. Mercury already maintains a minimal size, measuring one-third the width of Earth and approximately 1/29th the width of Jupiter. This accelerated shrinkage suggests the planet's internal cooling or contraction process is more aggressive than prior models predicted.
Why it matters
The physical size of a planet provides clues about its internal composition and thermal history. Understanding the rate of Mercury's contraction helps scientists model how planetary cores cool over billions of years. This process often creates surface ridges and cliffs as the outer crust collapses.
What is confirmed
- Mercury is the smallest planet in the solar system.
- Mercury is approximately one-third the width of Earth.
- Mercury is about 1/29th the width of Jupiter.
- Mercury is shrinking faster than scientists previously believed.
Still unconfirmed
- Mercury is shrinking 30% faster than astronomers thought.
- Scientists are investigating if Mercury is even smaller than expected.
What to watch next
- Publication of the specific data or hidden clues used to calculate the new shrinkage rate
- Peer review of the 30% acceleration claim
- New imaging of Mercury's surface to identify recent contraction scars
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (8)
- USA Today — Hidden clues show Mercury shrank more than previously thought
- The New York Times — Mercury Is Shrinking, and Faster Than We Thought
- CNN — Scientists are trying to figure out if Mercury is even smaller than expected
- New York Post — Solar system’s smallest planet is getting even smaller — shrinking 30% faster than astronomers thought
- Mashable — Mercury is shrinking much more than scientists realized
- www.columbian.com — Mercury shrinking faster than previously was believed
- www.women.com — 150 Fun Trivia Questions For Kids (With Answers)
- kotaku.com — 20 More, Somehow Even Smaller, Mazes
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