Early History of the Terrestrial Planets: New Insights from the Moon and Mercury
March 17-18th, 2012, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriot, just prior to LPSC 43. Exploration of the Moon and Mercury has outlined the basic events, themes and processes in the first half of Solar System history. Recent results are challenging many of these fundamental views on the Moon, and on Mercury, MESSENGER data have revealed crustal compositions quite unlike those anticipated, a cratering record that differs from the Moon in interesting ways, and a global magnetic field with an unusually strong asymmetry about the planetary equator. These findings have clearly challenged an earlier vision of a “Moon-like” Mercury, and have placed into question most earlier paradigms for the origin and evolution of the innermost planet. Although the two bodies are different, it is clear that comparison between the Moon and Mercury may help to resolve outstanding problems in the origin and evolution of each, and shed new light on the fundamental themes and events in the histories of the terrestrial planets. Microsymposium 53 will feature a summary of these new discoveries, and bring together scientists to ponder their implications. For more information and registration, see:
