Mercury may have contracted significantly more than previously estimated, according to a study published Thursday in Geophysical Research Letters. Researchers suggest the planet could have shrunk by 10% to 30% more than earlier models indicated.
Scientists believe Mercury’s contraction occurred as its interior cooled over roughly 4.5 billion years, creating structures associated with the planet’s shortening.
However, relatively young debris from impact craters may have covered some of this evidence, causing earlier estimates to underestimate the total shrinkage.
The new analysis suggests Mercury’s diameter may have decreased by roughly 12 miles since its formation, exceeding previous estimates of about 11 kilometers.
Planetary scientist Paul Byrne said the findings could advance understanding of planets that cannot yet be explored directly by humans.
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— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) September 10, 2026
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