Astronomy magazine podcast: MESSENGER at Mercury
Senior Editor Rich Talcott explains MESSENGER's flyby of Mercury.
Published:
January 10, 2008 Planetary scientists have sent the MESSENGER space probe to Mercury to answer questions left hanging after the visit of the last spacecraft, Mariner 10, in the mid-1970s.
Photo by NASA / JHUAPL / CIW
In a few days, the MESSENGER spacecraft will pass near Mercury. In 2011, the orbiter will return to the innermost planet for an up-close study. Why is MESSENGER passing so close to Mercury now? In this week's show, Astronomy Senior Editor Rich Talcott explains what the spacecraft is doing in this flyby.
After you listen, e-mail us here and let us know what you think.
If you would like to subscribe to our podcast, click here. |