Today's NASA APOD picture of the day has a rather unusual image of a surface area on the planet Mercury. It does look pretty strange, but, then Mercury is a pretty unknown planet.
I found that one can magnify it several times, and still maintain a quality photo. With it magnified several times you can see the detail pretty good.
I guess there are many possible reasons for that surface appearance. I did think that it could be caused by some type of comprehensive surface mining operations. Who can know???
Enjoy!
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap120327.html
(http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/1203/mercuryhollows_messenger_960.jpg) (http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/1203/mercuryhollows_messenger_960.jpg)
Looks like some sort of surface exposure caused by a blowing wind, but it isnt to windy on Mercury, is it?:D
Mining is a great thought, ours or theirs?
Any idea what the size of these anomalies is? I would guess if they were strip mines, they would be for H3 collection if they are ours, and god knows what if they arent!
You guys are amazing with the images you find, well done.
Cheers!
Littleenki
Might look like lightning strikes evaporating the surface. Rather this is from a solar flare or not would be a good question. In the photo they mentioned the crater it is in or near. You should be able to pin point this on a Map of the planet.
I also read, they said the photo was exaggerated. I wonder what they did and if you can get the original shots?
Deuem
Mercury Messenger Image Archives
http://messenger.jhuapl.edu/gallery/sciencePhotos/byDate.php