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Mercury is shrinking faster than models predicted

By Tech Desk · 2026-09-11 · Updated 2026-09-11 04:30 UTC
A rocky, cratered planetary surface under a bright sun
Illustration: Tradingbird

New research suggests Mercury is shrinking 30% faster than previously calculated, with up to 14 miles of diameter lost over time. The team believes impact debris has obscured surface wrinkles, a theory that the upcoming BepiColombo spacecraft aims to verify once it orbits the planet later this year.

  • According to GN technics/space (en-US), researchers from the German Aerospace Center and Hokkaido University attribute the discrepancy to impact debris burying evidence of surface contraction, a finding that will be tested by the BepiColombo mission entering orbit this November.

    Source: GN technics/space (en-US)

  • New data suggests the innermost planet is contracting significantly more than previous estimates indicated, potentially altering our understanding of planetary cooling.

    Source: GN technics/space (en-US)
Based on reporting by GN technics/space (en-US) and GN technics/space (en-US), compiled by the Tradingbird desk.

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