7 Unsolved Mysteries About Mercury

Mercury experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, with daytime temperatures soaring to over 430 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures plummeting to around -180 degrees Celsius. The mystery lies in understanding how the planet manages such extreme temperature swings.

Mercury has a very thin and tenuous exosphere, but it lacks a substantial atmosphere. The mystery is why, despite being relatively massive, Mercury couldn't retain a thicker atmosphere like Venus or Earth.

Mercury has an unusually large iron core, accounting for about 60 per cent of its mass. This core is much larger in proportion to the planet's overall size. The origin of such a massive core remains a subject of debate.

Mercury's surface is marked by extensive scarps, cliffs, and faults. The cause of these geological features and whether they are still actively forming is a mystery.

 Despite its scorching surface temperatures, radar observations have revealed the presence of water ice in polar regions. Understanding how this ice could exist in such an environment is a puzzle.

Mercury's geological activity is still not well understood. The planet's surface shows signs of tectonic activity, but the mechanisms behind this activity and whether it is ongoing are unclear.

Mercury's formation and early evolution are subjects of scientific curiosity. Its proximity to the Sun and unique characteristics make it an intriguing case study in planetary science.