Mercury

Latest about Mercury

A colorful view of Mercury produced from images taken by the MESSENGER spacecraft.

Did Mercury once have the ingredients for life?

By Chelsea Gohd published

It's possible that Mercury once held the ingredients for life.

Mercury
Despite Mercury's extreme heat, there is permanent ice at the planet's poles, according to data and images from NASA's MESSENGER probe, which visited Mercury in 2011.

Weird! Mercury's scorching temps may actually lead to ice.

By Elizabeth Howell published

Could Mercury's close orbit to the sun help the planet generate ice? This sounds like a paradox, but a new study shows how it could happen.

Mercury
During the first half of February, Mercury will complete its best evening appearance for mid-northern latitude observers during 2020, climbing higher in the west-southwestern sky every evening.

How to see the 'elusive planet' Mercury in the night sky in February

By Joe Rao published

Mercury is often cited as the most difficult of the naked-eye planets to see due its proximity to the sun, but there are times during the year when Mercury can be surprisingly easy to spot.

Mercury
Balanchine crater on Mercury is visible at the center of this image taken by NASA's MESSENGER mission.

How 'The Nutcracker' Choreographer Inspired the Name of Mercury's Tutu-Like Crater

By Doris Elin Urrutia published

Mercury
Arecibo Observatory gathered radar data of Mercury from July 19 to 24, 2019.

A Radar Station in Puerto Rico Can See Ice on Mercury

By Meghan Bartels published

There are no hurricanes on Mercury, but there is plenty of water ice — and observing that ice can help scientists deal with the lingering effects of a very terrestrial hurricane.

Mercury
Former journalist Martin Evans (right) chats with two fellow guests of the Amateur Astronomers Association (AAA) gathering on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019, in Floyd Bennett Field, New York. Peering through the Orion EZ Finder II telescope is a mother who brought her children to the viewing event; standing to the left is amateur astronomer Stephen Lieber.

New Yorkers Celebrate Rare Mercury Transit by Staring at the Sun (Safely) with Wonder

By Doris Elin Urrutia published

Near the edge of Jamaica Bay in New York City, about a dozen people gathered to watch Mercury travel across the sun.

Mercury
Japan's Hinode spacecraft captured this image of Mercury passing in front of the sun on Nov. 8, 2006, using the spacecraft's Solar Optical Telescope instrument.

Mercury Transit 2019: Photos, Videos and Explainers for the Rare Sight

By Doris Elin Urrutia last updated

On Nov. 11, people across most of the world can catch the planet Mercury passing across the sun. This rare event won't be seen from Earth again until 2032.

Mercury
The Mercury transit of Nov. 11, 2019, as seen from Turkey's Van province.

Miss the Mercury Transit of 2019? You'll Have to Wait 13 Years for the Next One

By Elizabeth Howell published

If you missed Mercury's journey across the sun Monday (Nov. 11), you're in for a bit of a wait for the next sun-transiting planetary occasion.

Mercury
Mercury transits the sun, as seen behind the Washington Monument, on Nov. 11, 2019.

Rare Mercury Transit, the Last Until 2032, Thrills Skywatchers Around the World

By Hanneke Weitering, Elizabeth Howell last updated

The tiny planet Mercury scooted across the sun's face today (Nov. 11) for the last time until 2032, and skywatchers around the world had the chance to witness the rare celestial event.

Mercury
A close-up view of Mercury (the small, black circle) crossing in front of the disk of the sun on May 9, 2016.

Mercury Transit 2019: How to Watch the Rare Event Live Online

By Hanneke Weitering last updated

When Mercury passes in front of the sun on Monday, you'll need the right equipment to see it safely. But if you don't have that kind of astronomy gear handy, you can also watch it live online.

Mercury
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