Mercury has long baffled astronomers because it defies much of what we know about planet formation. A new space mission ...

(Left) A colorful view of Mercury produced using images from the color base map imaging campaign during MESSENGER's primary mission (Right) what Mercury may look like were its outer layers stripped to ...

Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. A layer of diamonds ...

Mercury, the smallest planet in our solar system and the one closest to the Sun, has long baffled scientists with its twisted, fractured surface. Towering cliffs, deep ridges, and sprawling fracture ...

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Mercury, seen in this false-color image, may have a deep layer of inner diamonds, new research ...

Mercury is a land of contrasts. The solar system’s smallest planet boasts the largest core relative to its size. Temperatures at noon can soar as high as 800 degrees Fahrenheit (425 degrees Celsius) — ...

Volcanism has played a more extensive role in shaping the surface of Mercury than scientists had thought. This result comes from multispectral imaging data gathered in January 2008 by MESSENGER, the ...

Mercury, the blazingly hot little world at the inner edge of our solar system, largely remains the enigma it has always been. That’s mostly because it’s 88-day solar orbit makes it so tough to reach.

Mercury has gotten some new wrinkles in its old age. The innermost planet shows signs of relatively recent tectonic activity, a new study suggests. Tiny cliffs on the surface — just tens of meters ...

A layer of diamonds up to 18 kilometers (11 miles) thick could be tucked below the surface of Mercury, the solar system's smallest planet and the closest to the sun, according to new research. The ...

TEMPE, Ariz. – Volcanism has played a more extensive role in shaping the surface of Mercury than scientists had thought. This result comes from multispectral imaging data gathered in January 2008 by ...