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First Results From Messenger's Mercury Flyby

Posted by kdawson on from the hot-stuff dept.

Several readers noted the special section in Science, published today, with results from Messenger's flyby of Mercury last January. One conclusion is that volcanism has shaped the planet, contrary to earlier theories that Mercury had been "dead on arrival." The LA Time's coverage highlights the finding that Mercury has shrunk by a mile in diameter over its lifetime, due to shrinkage at its core.

3 of 48 comments (clear)

  1. Shrinkage by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    In Mercury's defense, it was in the pool.

    1. Re:Shrinkage by PacketShaper · · Score: 5, Funny

      Usually the "in the pool" defense is because of low temperature...
      I think mercury needs another excuse.

  2. Re:Don't feel bad, mercury by eln · · Score: 5, Funny

    WTF, is there really such a thing as penises shrinking with age? :-S

    Yes. But don't worry, your balls sag more to compensate.