Published on StarDate Online (https://legacy.stardate.org)

Home > Dark Planet

Dark Planet [1]

Mercury, the Sun's innermost planet, is one of the darkest major bodies in the solar system. It reflects less than 10 percent of the sunlight that strikes its surface. A recent study suggests that passing comets could coat Mercury with carbon-rich molecules, darkening the surface. This 2015 image of Mercury from the Messenger spacecraft features a wide, deep basin known as Rembrandt. [NASA/JHUAPL/CIW]

View of Mercury from Messenger spacecraft
  • About StarDate
  • Underwriting
  • SkyTips Sign-Up
  • Change mailing address
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright and Usage
  • Contact

StarDate is brought to you in part through the generous support of our underwriters.
Interested in underwriting? Let us know

 

FacebookTwitterYouTube

©2022 The University of Texas McDonald Observatory


Source URL:https://legacy.stardate.org/astro-guide/gallery/dark-planet

Links
[1] https://legacy.stardate.org/astro-guide/gallery/dark-planet