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MESSENGER does it again

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14 years 5 months ago #81416 by JohnONeill
MESSENGER does it again was created by JohnONeill
Hi,

The MESSENGER probe has now just completed its third and final fly-by of Mercury receiving a gravity sling to enable it to enter orbit in March of 2011.

Some amazing images of unseen portions (apart from low resolution earth based images) of the planet. A glitch, when the spacecraft entered 'safe mode' may have prevented some data being returned.
But the probe is operating normally once again.

The website for John Hopkins University ( messenger.jhuapl.edu/ ) had loads of information.

John

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14 years 5 months ago #81423 by Keith g
Replied by Keith g on topic Re:MESSENGER does it again
Wow John, at least it got some shots returned, and to see some unimaged parts is exciting. I really like the large basin. The bright spot is cool too.

The 'paw print' is unique also.

Keith..

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14 years 5 months ago #81430 by Seanie_Morris
Replied by Seanie_Morris on topic Re:MESSENGER does it again
Very nice pictures there. Some of them seem to show a sense of ablation on Mercury's surface, like the solar wind has blasted some craters into smooth basins and such. Not a nice place for a sunshine holiday though...

Seanie.

Midlands Astronomy Club.
Radio Presenter (Midlands 103), Space Enthusiast, Astronomy Outreach Co-ordinator.
Former IFAS Chairperson and Secretary.

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14 years 5 months ago #81432 by ayiomamitis
Replied by ayiomamitis on topic Re:MESSENGER does it again
The return from these unmanned satellite missions is something else! One of the more impressive results from the past few days is the "Bigfoot" footprint which is now making rounds around the world.

Anyway, all of this stuff is something one could feast on for a lifetime. One can never get enough!

Anthony.

Anthony Ayiomamitis
Athens, Greece
www.perseus.gr

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14 years 5 months ago #81450 by Frank Ryan
Replied by Frank Ryan on topic Re:MESSENGER does it again
That Bigfoot image made sky news today..
a bit of a tongue in cheek report but
still gets the people interested I suppose...
More was made about the 'First Clown in Space' thing also.
All I want to say is FAIR PLAY to him!!!
If I had the cash I'd sooooo do the same...
and ya know what...
space tourism is good for space exploration!
M2C anyway.

My Astrophotography
Shannonside Astronomy Club __________________________________________
Meade ETX-125PE, Bresser 10 x 50 Binos & Me Peepers

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