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[Ricker]

Just checked the wiki for this planet...holy shit at the swing in temperature lol,incredible...

ranging from 100 K (−173 °C; −280 °F) at night to 700 K (427 °C; 800 °F) during the day at some equatorial regions.

 

[D i Z]

Should...should we leave a note?

I don't think Allstate will cover this.

 

[GaimeGuy]

We do from the soviet probe way back in the day. What's cool?

I believe what he means is why do we have no surface-level photos - IE, why haven't we sent a lander or rover probe/craft to Mercury, only orbiters and flybys?


The reason is because Mercury has basically no atmosphere to slow a spacefaring vehicle down upon atmospheric entry. The surface temperatures also fluxuate wildly because of this.

The only option you'd have for a safe landing is a propulsion system powerful enough to completely cancel out the velocity of your spacefaring vehicle. The amount of thrust you'd need to generate (and fuel needed for that) is extremely cost-prohibitive and impractical. And then your equipment would either be unsuitable for the heat of mercury or unsuitable for the cold of mercury.

 

[IISANDERII]

Did they get the message?

 

[Gr1mLock]

This is how you know we're evolving. We're throwing our useless junk at other planets.

 

[Majine]

Good job, little buddy. Rest in pieces.