MESSENGER measurements show that Mercury possesses a structured and variable exosphere extending far above the planet.
Historical person
Ralph McNutt Biography
Historical biography and chronological timeline for Ralph McNutt, based on 6 World History Database records associated with United States of America.
Chronological biography
2008
MESSENGER observes an unusually dynamic Mercury magnetosphere driven strongly by changing solar-wind conditions.
2009
MESSENGER observations show that Mercury's exosphere and anti-sunward tail contain multiple species with differing spatial distributions.
2011
Orbital measurements show that Mercury's magnetic field is strongly offset northward along the planet's rotation axis.
2013
MESSENGER observes Comet Encke from Mercury orbit, adding comet science to the spacecraft's extended mission.
MESSENGER observes Comet ISON during its approach to the Sun while continuing Mercury orbital measurements.
Record provenance
This biography is assembled from World History Database records filtered by country and personal-name fields. Exact duplicate display records are removed. The database is an index rather than a complete narrative biography; formal research should verify entries against relevant primary or specialist sources.