Peak Clingers

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Caption:

Focusing on the central peaks of a large unnamed crater between Stravinsky and Velazquez , this image takes a close look at hollows on both the crater floor and the peaks. It is interesting to note that the hollows seem to follow the shape of the central peak ring, and are seen in lower concentrations on the crater floor. Another interesting observation is that the large hollow in the center of the image has a crisp, fresh appearance. This suggests that some hollows are relatively young features, and could be in the process of forming today.

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: May 10, 2011
Image Mission Elapsed Time (MET): 213547274
Image ID: 237117
Instrument: Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) of the Mercury Dual Imaging System (MDIS)
Center Latitude: 43.71°
Center Longitude: 290.9° E
Resolution: 21 meters/pixel
Scale: This image from corner to corner is approximately 15 km (9 mi.)
Incidence Angle: 68.0°
Emission Angle: 17.3°
Phase Angle: 85.4°

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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