Science
Mercury Is Shrinking, and Faster Than We Thought
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Our smallest planet, Mercury, is changing. Scientists now say it is getting smaller. This change happens faster than they thought before. It means Mercury is shrinking quickly.
Scientists look at Mercury's surface. The surface has many lines and bumps. We can call these "wrinkles." These wrinkles show that the planet's outer part is pressing together. This pressing makes the planet smaller.
New studies use these wrinkles to learn more. They help scientists make better estimates of how fast Mercury shrinks. The new information tells us that Mercury is becoming smaller at a surprising speed. This helps us understand our solar system better.
Vocabulary Help
planet
A very large object that moves around the sun or another star.
surface
The outside part or top layer of something.
estimates
Calculations or judgments about the size, amount, or cost of something.
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