German Study Finds Mercury May Have Shrunk Significantly Since Formation

German Study Finds Mercury May Have Shrunk Significantly Since Formation

Science

German Aerospace Center researchers said Mercury is losing about 14 miles of its radius, roughly 30 % faster than earlier estimates. Earlier analysis of MESSENGER data had suggested a possible radius reduction of up to 11. 6 km, and subsequent studies indicated the planet’s diameter could have shrunk by as much as 14.

5 miles since its formation; the BepiColombo mission is slated to investigate the finding. The latest report follows earlier publications that highlighted the larger-than-expected contraction and noted that BepiColombo’s measurements will be used to verify the new estimates.

Actors

German Aerospace Center’s Institute of Space Research Gaku Nishiyama BepiColombo mission NASA’s Messenger probe

Locations

Germany

Articles

September 14, 2026
1 total
Study suggests Mercury's diameter may have decreased by up to 14.5 miles since formation
Study suggests Mercury's diameter may have decreased by up to 14.5 miles since formation

Futurism • 14 Sep 16:28

Researchers from the German Aerospace Center estimate that Mercury could have lost as much as 14.5 miles in diameter, a rate higher than earlier models predicted.

Credibility 72% Manip. 9% Center
September 12, 2026
1 total
Study Finds Mercury Shrinking Faster Than Previously Estimated
Study Finds Mercury Shrinking Faster Than Previously Estimated

New York Post • 12 Sep 20:00

New research indicates that Mercury is losing about 14 miles of its radius, roughly 30% more rapidly than earlier calculations suggested.

Credibility 72% Manip. 9% Center
September 11, 2026
4 total
Study Finds Mercury's Shrinkage May Be 30% Greater Than Previously Estimated
Study Finds Mercury's Shrinkage May Be 30% Greater Than Previously Estimated

Newser • 11 Sep 19:03

Research by the German Aerospace Center suggests Mercury could be losing up to 14 miles in diameter, a rate 30% higher than earlier estimates, and upcoming BepiColombo measurements aim to verify the finding.

Credibility 72% Manip. 9% Center
Study finds Mercury may have contracted up to 30% more than previously estimated
Study finds Mercury may have contracted up to 30% more than previously estimated

USA Today • 11 Sep 16:54

New analysis suggests Mercury's diameter could have decreased by as much as 14.5 miles since its formation, a larger shrinkage than earlier estimates, and upcoming BepiColombo mission will investigate further.

Credibility 72% Manip. 8% Center
Study suggests Mercury's contraction may be 30% greater than previously thought
Study suggests Mercury's contraction may be 30% greater than previously thought

ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • 11 Sep 10:25

Researchers from the German Aerospace Center say Mercury could have shrunk by up to 14 miles, a figure 30% higher than earlier estimates, and anticipate confirmation from the BepiColombo mission.

Credibility 78% Manip. 8% Center
Study suggests Mercury may have contracted up to 30% more than previously thought
Study suggests Mercury may have contracted up to 30% more than previously thought

ksl.com • 11 Sep 06:17

Analysis of MESSENGER data indicates the innermost planet could have shrunk by as much as 7.2 miles, a larger reduction than earlier estimates, and upcoming BepiColombo observations aim to verify the findings.

Credibility 72% Manip. 8% Center
September 10, 2026
3 total
Study Finds Mercury May Be Shrinking Faster Than Previously Estimated
Study Finds Mercury May Be Shrinking Faster Than Previously Estimated

NBC News • 10 Sep 18:59

Researchers say Mercury's diameter could be decreasing by up to 14 miles, about 30% more than earlier estimates, based on new analysis of surface features.

Credibility 72% Manip. 8% Center
Study suggests Mercury's diameter may be shrinking up to 30% more than previously thought
Study suggests Mercury's diameter may be shrinking up to 30% more than previously thought

NBC Connecticut • 10 Sep 17:29

Researchers from the German Aerospace Center say Mercury could have lost as much as 14 miles in diameter, a rate about 30% higher than earlier estimates, and the BepiColombo mission will test the findings.

Credibility 78% Manip. 8% Center
Study Suggests Mercury May Have Shrunk Up to 30% More Than Previously Estimated
Study Suggests Mercury May Have Shrunk Up to 30% More Than Previously Estimated

Yahoo Tech • 10 Sep 13:00

New analysis of MESSENGER data indicates that Mercury's radius could have decreased by as much as 11.6 km, a larger contraction than earlier estimates, and upcoming BepiColombo measurements aim to verify the finding.

Credibility 71% Manip. 9% Center

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