- #1
- 24,775
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beautiful discovery!
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2012/29nov_iceonmercury/
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2012/29nov_iceonmercury/
In summary, NASA has made a beautiful discovery of stable polar water ice deposits on Mercury, potentially deposited by comets and asteroids over a long period of time. These deposits are found in crater micro-environments with varying temperatures and in close proximity to rich organic chemicals, making them potential hotspots for the building blocks of life. While NASA has not confirmed the existence of life, they are excited about the possibility and expect to find more unusual phenomena in the vicinity of these craters.
- #2
berkeman
Mentor
- 67,321
- 20,361
Send out a rover! 
- #3
Bandersnatch
Science Advisor
- 3,500
- 3,024
Bah, send out colonists!
- #4
berkeman
Mentor
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Just think, life evolves in the water pools around the ice sheet. First single cell animals, then fish, then lungfish, then a little dinasaur that crawls out of the water, crawls out of the crater, and is vaporized *poof*. Interesting twist on natural selection...
- #5
Dotini
Gold Member
- 635
- 231
I was watching the live video feed from the NASA press conference, and took the following notes:
- stable polar water ice deposits
- deposited over a long term by comets and asteroids
- redistributing into crater micro-environments which range from 550 to 50 kelvin
- in close proximity to rich organic chemicals
- all the building blocks of life
- images are expected of "unusual phenomena" in the vicinity of these craters
Although the NASA folks specifically denied they were reporting anything like finding life, they were grinning from ear to ear over their splendid results.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve
- stable polar water ice deposits
- deposited over a long term by comets and asteroids
- redistributing into crater micro-environments which range from 550 to 50 kelvin
- in close proximity to rich organic chemicals
- all the building blocks of life
- images are expected of "unusual phenomena" in the vicinity of these craters
Although the NASA folks specifically denied they were reporting anything like finding life, they were grinning from ear to ear over their splendid results.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve
Related to Ice on Mercury in polar crater shade
1. Why does ice form on Mercury in polar crater shade?
Ice forms on Mercury in polar crater shade because the temperature in these areas can drop below -200 degrees Celsius, which is cold enough for water to freeze. Mercury's axial tilt is minimal, so the poles are always in shadow, preventing the ice from melting.
2. How is it possible for ice to exist on a planet so close to the sun?
The polar craters on Mercury are located at high altitudes, which means they receive less direct sunlight and are therefore colder. Additionally, the planet's extremely thin atmosphere does not provide much insulation, allowing the temperatures to drop low enough for ice to form.
3. What is the composition of the ice on Mercury's polar craters?
The ice on Mercury's polar craters is primarily composed of water ice, with some traces of other volatile compounds such as carbon dioxide and methane. Recent studies have also suggested the presence of organic compounds in the ice.
4. How was the presence of ice on Mercury's polar craters first discovered?
The presence of ice on Mercury's polar craters was first discovered by the MESSENGER spacecraft in 2012 through the use of a neutron spectrometer. This instrument was able to detect the presence of hydrogen, which is a key component of water, in the polar regions of the planet.
5. What implications does the presence of ice on Mercury's polar craters have for future exploration?
The presence of ice on Mercury's polar craters has significant implications for future exploration of the planet. It could potentially provide a source of water for human settlements and fuel for spacecraft, making it a valuable resource for future missions. It also raises questions about the planet's past and the possibility of life existing on Mercury.
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