The BepiColombo spacecraft has provided scientists with groundbreaking insights into Mercury's surface, capturing details of its temperature and composition in mid-infrared light for the first time.
During its fifth flyby on December 1, 2024, the spacecraft used advanced imaging tools to reveal new aspects of the Sun-scorched planet, laying the groundwork for future discoveries.
BepiColombo's Mercury Flyby Reveals Stunning Mid-Infrared Surface Details
BepiColombo, a joint mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), launched in 2018.
Although originally expected to reach Mercury's orbit in 2025, technical challenges have delayed its arrival to November 2026. Until then, its flybys continue to provide tantalizing glimpses of the planet, including data captured during this latest pass.
One of the highlights from the recent observations is data collected by the Mercury Radiometer and Thermal Infrared Spectrometer (MERTIS), Gizmodo said.
This instrument allowed scientists to map Mercury's surface in mid-infrared wavelengths, revealing critical details about the planet's surface roughness, temperatures, and mineral composition.
Among the prominent features observed was the Bashō Crater, a well-known impact site also studied by earlier missions such as Mariner 10 and Messenger. The crater stood out in MERTIS's imaging, showcasing surface features never before seen in such detail.
The temperature at the time of the flyby was recorded at a scorching 788°F (420°C), demonstrating the extremes Mercury experiences due to its proximity to the Sun.
Researchers are analyzing the data to identify the specific types of minerals present on the planet's surface, using laboratory simulations to match the mid-infrared emissions with known materials.
This work aims to solve one of the lingering mysteries about Mercury: its unique surface chemistry and mineralogy.
BepiColombo's Flybys Promise More Breakthroughs
Despite its challenges, BepiColombo's mission is paving the way for an unprecedented understanding of Mercury.
When it finally enters orbit, the spacecraft will split into two orbiters — ESA's Mercury Planetary Orbiter and JAXA's Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter.
Together, these components will examine Mercury's surface and magnetic environment using 16 advanced instruments, offering a comprehensive look at the planet's history and structure.
According to Space, the next flyby is scheduled for January 8, 2025, promising more exciting revelations.
For now, the latest findings are a promising preview of the data that scientists will be able to collect once BepiColombo reaches Mercury's orbit.
These observations bring us closer to uncovering the secrets of our solar system's smallest planet, a world shaped by extremes of heat and cold.
