Is Mercury Shrinking?!

The video discusses Mercury's shrinking surface, highlighting NASA's Messenger mission that mapped 99% of the planet. Scientists confirmed Mercury has been shrinking for over 4 billion years due to its cooling core, which causes the surface to contract, forming wrinkles and valleys. The core's heat escapes through the mantle, accelerating the shrinkage process.

What was the primary mission of the Messenger probe launched by NASA in 2004?

• To land on Mars

• To study the Sun

• To map Mercury's surface

• To explore the outer planets

What did the Messenger probe confirm about Mercury's surface?

• It has active volcanoes

• It is covered in ice

• It is completely smooth

• It has wrinkles and rips

Why is Mercury shrinking over billions of years?

• Due to its proximity to the Sun

• Because of its cooling core

• Due to its rapid rotation

• Because of frequent meteor impacts

What percentage of Mercury's radius is made up by its metallic core?

• 60%

• 85%

• 75%

• 50%

What geological features form on Mercury's surface as a result of its shrinking core?

• Mountains and plateaus

• Rips and valleys

• Deserts and dunes

• Lakes and rivers