ASTR 111 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Tidal Locking, Mariner 10, Orbital Period
14 Dec 2020
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The planet makes 3 complete rotations on its axis for every 2 complete orbits around the sun (only planet that does this) This is caused by gravitational forces from the sun. Sun"s tidal force make the planet slightly elongated along one axis. The sun exerts a stronger gravitational force on the near side of mercury. If mercury had a circular orbit, its long axis would always point towards the sun and it would be in synchronous rotation. Mariner 10 had 3 fly-by missions in 1974 and 1975 (could only see one side of planet) But, the best information we have is from messenger which has been in orbit around. Mercury since 2011 it also has a much better resolution than the mariner. Very similar to earth"s moon as it is heavily cratered, with extensive smooth plains between these craters. The craters on mercury are less dense than the ones on the moon.
