New Research Suggests Mercury Has Shrunk More Than Previously Estimated

AI-generated NewsSnap summary based on source reporting.
Published: 2026-09-14
Category: science
Source: Mashable (citing Geophysical Research Letters)
Original source

A new study in Geophysical Research Letters indicates Mercury has contracted significantly more than previously thought, with researchers potentially underestimating its shrinkage by 30%. This suggests a more metal-rich core and could clarify how the planet maintained its global magnetic field. The BepiColombo mission, set to orbit Mercury in November, will gather data to verify these findings.

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