“Exploring the Mysteries of Mercury: A Close Encounter with the Solar System’s Smallest Planet”

The European Space Agency’s BepiColombo spacecraft made a close flyby of Mercury this week, capturing stunning new images of the planet’s surface. Flying less than 200 miles from Mercury’s surface, the spacecraft photographed volcanic plains and icy craters, providing valuable insights into the planet’s composition.

Launched in 2018, this was the sixth flyby for the BepiColombo spacecraft, with the European Space Agency (ESA) stating that this was the final “gravity assist manoeuvre” needed for the two orbiters to separate and get into orbit around Mercury by late 2026. This will allow for even more data to be collected and analyzed.

Mercury, the smallest planet in our solar system and closest to the sun, remains somewhat mysterious to scientists. With an unusual composition that includes a metal core occupying 80% of the planet, Mercury presents unique challenges and opportunities for exploration. Despite extreme temperatures reaching up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit on the sunny side of the planet, there are areas in craters near the poles that never see sunlight, adding to the intrigue of this celestial body.

The recent focus on space exploration has brought about several exciting developments, including artificial solar eclipses created by satellites to study the sun, historic close encounters with the sun, and upcoming missions to retrieve rocks from Mars. Additionally, Blue Origin, the private space firm founded by Jeff Bezos, is set to launch a massive new rocket this Sunday, promising further advancements in space technology.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, sky gazers can anticipate supermoons, meteor showers, and other celestial events that will be compiled for easy viewing. For those interested in delving deeper into space and science topics, NPR offers comprehensive coverage on space exploration, including discussions on space junk and the International Space Station’s maneuvers to avoid debris. To stay informed on the latest science news, readers can sign up for NPR’s Science team’s health newsletter, providing insights into the science of healthy living.