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The rotational dynamics of Mercury and the state of its coreData on the rotational dynamics of Mercury are examined together with possible events that could lead to the current state of rotation. It is shown that the dynamical evolution of Mercury's spin angular momentum controlled by the dissipative processes of tidal friction and relative motion between a solid mantle and a liquid core would lead naturally to the current state of rotation of the Mercury planet. To investigate the possibility that Mercury has a molten core, an experiment is designed for the measurement of the core properties of Mercury. It is shown that it is technically feasible to measure the four parameters necessary for the determination of the existence and the extent of a Mercurian molten core, including the amplitude of the physical vibration about the resonance spin rate, the obliquity, and the gravitational harmonic coefficients.
Document ID
19890056394
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Peale, S. J.
(California, University Santa Barbara, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1988
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
89A43765
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-05-010-062
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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