Source: Universe Today
Scientists from the MESSENGER mission continue to analyze the data from the spacecraft's first flyby of Mercury on January 14, 2008. Initial data about the planet's gravity field grabbed the science team's attention, as the actual gravity data differed from predictions based on the Mariner 10 flyby in 1975. Any unknowns in Mercury's gravity will provide challenges for the spacecraft's navigation during the next flyby in October, and especially when MESSENGER goes into orbit of Mercury in 2011. This in turn could affect quality and detail of science observations. "There indeed are residuals that we have not yet been able to explain fully," said Ralph McNutt, MESSENGER Project Scientist to Universe Today. (read more)
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