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Update to Strategy for Exploration of the Inner Planets (1990) / Chapter Skim
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3 Mercury
Pages 7-10

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 7...
... The Na atmosphere also has at significant electrical conductivity, and so magnetospheric currents can close in the Na atmosphere, allowing it to influence magnetospheric dynamics as does Earth's ionosphere. This coupling to the Na atmosphere has fundamental implications for magnetospheric processes, such as magnetic substorms and flux transfer events.
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From page 8...
... Internal Structure and State Determining the extent and state of a dense central core on Mercury remains a primary objective. .The extent of solid and/or liquid regions within the core is of particular interest to a more complete understanding of Mercury's interior chemistry, thermal evolution, spin-down history, and magnetic field generation.
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From page 9...
... Complete imaging, at a resolution of at least 0.5 km, is necessary to understand Mercury's tectonic and possible volcanic evolution, to further characterize the impact cratering record in the inner solar system, and to broaden our understanding of the planet's overall geologic history. It would also provide an essential geologic context for interpreting surface chemistry measurements.
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From page 10...
... COMPLEX therefore recommends that characterization of Mercury's magnetic field be a primary objective for exploration of that planet. Last update 9/26/00 at 2:03 pm Site managed by Anne Simmons, Space Studies Board Site managed by the SSB Web Group.
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Key Terms

  • space studies
  • surface chemistry
  • internal magnetic
  • primary objectives
  • magnetospheric currents

  • scientific objectives
  • tidal heating
  • surface composition
  • generated magnetic
  • magnetic substorms

  • field generated
  • conventional rocket
  • remains unknown
  • plains collectively
  • indirect evidence

  • chemistry remain
  • altimeter measurements
  • allow surface
  • primary scientific
  • librations using

  • internally generated
  • units remains
  • impact cratering
  • physical state
  • chemical analysis

  • radar altimeter
  • solid inner
  • internal structure
  • mercury remains
  • dynamo theories


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