The Origin of Mercury's Structure and Chemical Composition and Their Astrobiological Implications

Explore the unique characteristics of Mercury, its formation, and its implications for astrobiology in this 59-minute lecture by Dr. Asmaa Boujibar. Delve into Mercury's unusually large iron core, comprising about 70% of its mass, and examine theories about its metal enrichment. Discover recent findings from the MESSENGER mission, revealing unexpected volatile element enrichment on Mercury's surface. Learn about the planet's oxygen-deficient formation environment and the presence of unusual mineral phases. Compare Mercury's composition to chondrites, particularly enstatite chondrites, to understand its building blocks. Investigate Mercury's differentiation process and how reduced conditions affect heat-producing elements. Gain insights into the broader context of solar system structure, chemical trends, and the relationships between planets and their host stars.