When people hear the name Mercury, they often think of the presence of water. However, modern astronomical observations reveal that there is not much water on Mercury. The planet's highest temperature reaches 427°C, while the lowest drops to -173°C, and there is no liquid water on its surface. Even if water were sent there, it would evaporate due to the high temperatures. So, do icebergs really exist on Mercury?
In August 1991, American astronomers observed with a giant telescope in New Mexico that there are icebergs on Mercury's surface, located in shadowed areas. These icebergs have diameters ranging from 15 to 16 kilometers, with as many as 20 identified, and the largest can reach up to 130 kilometers. They are hidden in craters and valleys that have never been exposed to sunlight, with temperatures dropping to -170°C. These icebergs may have formed 3 billion years ago, and due to Mercury's vacuum conditions, only about 8 meters of ice melts every billion years.
The formation of icebergs on Mercury remains a mystery. Some believe that during Mercury's formation, the core solidified first and underwent intense shaking, causing the surface to wrinkle and frequent volcanic eruptions. Impacts from meteors and comets brought water to the planet. Others argue that this water may have been present on Mercury from the beginning.
The mystery of icebergs on Mercury has sparked significant interest in the academic community.
