images

Mercury surface seen by Mariner 10

by

JPL/Novapix

Reference

a-mer03-00020

Date

2006-09-28

Taken only minutes after Mariner 10 made its closest approach to the planet Mercury on March 29 1974, this is one of the highest resolution pictures obtained during the mission. Craters as small as 150 meters (500 feet) across can be seen. The picture, taken from a distance of about 5900 kilometers (3700 miles), measures 50 by 40 kilometers 931 by 25 miles). Abundant craters in various stages of degradation dot the surface.