In a Different Light

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Caption:

Different lighting conditions can reveal different insights into Mercury's surface. Check out this dramatic example of Discovery rupes . Today's image shows the same proposed volcanic vent that was featured last week, but this image was obtained with the Sun more nearly overhead. With this new view, you can see areas of the surface that were previously hidden in shadows.

This image was acquired as a high-resolution targeted observation. Targeted observations are images of a small area on Mercury's surface at resolutions much higher than the 200-meter/pixel morphology base map. It is not possible to cover all of Mercury's surface at this high resolution, but typically several areas of high scientific interest are imaged in this mode each week.

Date acquired: June 06, 2013
Image Mission Elapsed Time (MET): 12831164
Image ID: 4206165
Instrument: Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) of the Mercury Dual Imaging System (MDIS)
Center Latitude: 24.34°
Center Longitude: 148.3° E
Resolution: 28 meters/pixel
Scale: The diameter of the small crater to the left of the proposed vent is about 5 km (3 miles)
Incidence Angle: 26.7°
Emission Angle: 8.5°
Phase Angle: 35.2°

Background Info:

The MESSENGER spacecraft is the first ever to orbit the planet Mercury, and the spacecraft's seven scientific instruments and radio science investigation are unraveling the history and evolution of the Solar System's innermost planet. MESSENGER acquired over 150,000 images and extensive other data sets. MESSENGER is capable of continuing orbital operations until early 2015.

For information regarding the use of images, see the MESSENGER image use policy .

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