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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
12:59
A Study of the Complexation of Mercury(II) with Dicysteinyl Tetrapeptides by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: January 8, 2016
Mercury's complex exosphere: results from MESSENGER's third flyby.
Ronald J Vervack1, William E McClintock, Rosemary M Killen
1Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD 20723, USA. Ron.Vervack@jhuapl.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|July 22, 2010
Summary
MESSENGER detected ionized calcium in Mercury's magnetotail, suggesting internal photoion convection. Distinct exospheric distributions of sodium, calcium, and magnesium indicate complex control processes for Mercury's tenuous atmosphere.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Space Physics
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Mercury possesses a tenuous exosphere and a dynamic magnetosphere.
- Previous observations have hinted at exospheric species but lacked detailed spatial and compositional information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the composition and distribution of Mercury's exosphere and magnetosphere.
- To understand the processes controlling exospheric species, such as photoionization and magnetospheric transport.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the Mercury Atmospheric and Surface Composition Spectrometer (MASCS) aboard the MESSENGER spacecraft.
- Analyzing spectral emissions during flybys to identify and quantify exospheric elements.
Main Results:
- Detection of ionized calcium emission 1-2 Mercury radii tailward, supporting tailward magnetospheric convection of photoions.
- Distinct altitude distributions for neutral sodium, calcium, and magnesium above Mercury's poles.
- Evidence for a two-component sodium distribution and asymmetrical magnesium distributions.
Conclusions:
- Magnetospheric convection plays a significant role in transporting photoions within Mercury's magnetosphere.
- Multiple, species-specific processes govern the distribution of elements in Mercury's exosphere.
- The exosphere's complexity necessitates detailed study of individual species and their interactions.
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