Solar system’s smallest planet is getting even smaller

Live updates

1. 1d ago

   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
   Sources used for this update (8)

   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. CNN — Scientists are trying to figure out if Mercury is even smaller than expected
   4. New York Post — Solar system’s smallest planet is getting even smaller — shrinking 30% faster than astronomers thought
   5. Mashable — Mercury is shrinking much more than scientists realized
   6. www.columbian.com — Mercury shrinking faster than previously was believed
   7. www.women.com — 150 Fun Trivia Questions For Kids (With Answers)
   8. kotaku.com — 20 More, Somehow Even Smaller, Mazes
   confidence 80%