Mercury, the smallest and innermost planet in our solar system, has long been a mystery when it comes to its unique surface features. A new study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets suggests that the Sun’s tidal forces may be responsible for the cracks, fractures, and tectonic features on Mercury’s surface.
Mercury’s close proximity to the Sun causes extreme temperature fluctuations, resulting in a rugged and heavily cratered surface. The planet’s unusual orbit, with an 88-Earth-day orbital period and a highly elliptical path, creates strong tidal forces that affect its crust. Researchers from the University of Bern created physical models of Mercury to investigate how these forces shape the planet’s surface over time.
Their findings indicate that the Sun’s gravitational pull has influenced the development and orientation of tectonic features on Mercury’s surface, contradicting previous assumptions that the process was solely due to cooling and contraction. The study’s lead author, Liliane Burkhard, states that tidal stresses have been largely overlooked until now but can play a significant role in shaping planetary surfaces.
The recent discovery has implications for our understanding of planetary evolution over billions of years. The findings can also be applied to other planets with similar orbital characteristics, highlighting the importance of considering subtle forces aside from tectonics when studying planetary bodies.
Further research is underway through the BepiColombo mission, launched in 2018, which aims to gather more clues about Mercury’s deformed surface and provide insights into the planet’s mysterious past.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/whats-twisting-mercurys-crust-scientists-have-a-new-suspect-2000618162