AS101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Van Allen Radiation Belt, Ishtar Terra, Aphrodite Terra
Document Summary
Moderately high orbital eccentricity (0. 206) meaning its orbit is observably elliptic. Orbital inclination is also high (7 degrees), greater than all others except pluto. Rotational axis tilt is 0 degrees; no seasons on mercury. Orbital period: 88 days, synodic period of 116 days (time between successive conjunctions with earth) The two elongations, eastern and western, are the greatest angular positions the inner planet ever has with respect to earth. Elongations = angle between sun and planet from earth. The two conjunctions, superior and inferior, refer to when mercury is lined up with the earth and the sun. When the order is earth-sun-mercury, we have a superior conjunction. When mercury is between the sun and earth, we have an inferior conjunction see a solar transit during an inferior conjunction. Not tidally locked to the sun; rotates one and a half times during each orbit.
