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.

Acteurs

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

Lieux

Germany

Articles

14 septembre 2026
1 au total
The Planet Mercury Appears to Have Shrunken Drastically, "Like a Balloon Left Out in the Cold"
The Planet Mercury Appears to Have Shrunken Drastically, "Like a Balloon Left Out in the Cold"

Futurism • 14 sept. 16h28

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.

Crédibilité 72% Manip. 9% Centre
12 septembre 2026
1 au total
Solar system's smallest planet shrinking faster than we thought
Solar system's smallest planet shrinking faster than we thought

New York Post • 12 sept. 20h00

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

Crédibilité 72% Manip. 9% Centre
11 septembre 2026
4 au total
Smallest Planet Continues to Shrink
Smallest Planet Continues to Shrink

Newser • 11 sept. 19h03

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.

Crédibilité 72% Manip. 9% Centre
Hidden clues show Mercury shrank more than previously thought
Hidden clues show Mercury shrank more than previously thought

USA Today • 11 sept. 16h54

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.

Crédibilité 72% Manip. 8% Centre
Little Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected
Little Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected

ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • 11 sept. 10h25

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.

Crédibilité 78% Manip. 8% Centre
The closest planet to our sun is shrinking. Here's what that means
The closest planet to our sun is shrinking. Here's what that means

ksl.com • 11 sept. 06h17

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.

Crédibilité 72% Manip. 8% Centre
10 septembre 2026
3 au total
Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected
Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected

NBC News • 10 sept. 18h59

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.

Crédibilité 72% Manip. 8% Centre
Little Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected
Little Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected

NBC Connecticut • 10 sept. 17h29

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.

Crédibilité 78% Manip. 8% Centre
The closest planet to our sun is shrinking. Here’s what that means
The closest planet to our sun is shrinking. Here’s what that means

Yahoo Tech • 10 sept. 13h00

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.

Crédibilité 71% Manip. 9% Centre

Événements liés