NCSA Astronomy Digital Image Library
Project Abstract and Description
Subsurface emissions from Mercury - VLA radio observations at 2 and 6 centimeters
M.J. Ledlow, M. Zeilik, J.O. Burns, G.R. Gesler, J. Zhao, D.N. Baker
Contact: Michael Ledlow
Email: mledlow@zia.aoc.nrao.edu
Number of images in project: 1
References: 1992ApJ...384..640L
Abstract
This is a VLA image of Mercury at 2 cm in the B-Array. This map
represents the temperature distribution across the disk of the planet
in degrees Kelvin. Note the two hot regions along the equator at the
edges of the disk. These observations were the first to spatially
resolve and map these Hot longitudes. These so called "hot poles" are
a result of Mercury's 3:2 spin-orbit resonance and its high
eccentricity. We have used these data as basis for devolpment and
testing of theoretical models for the thermal history and properties of
Mercury's subsurface.
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