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Today in History: MESSENGER probe uncovers Mercury's Rembrandt crater

10/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On October 6, 2008, NASA's MESSENGER probe discovered Rembrandt, Mercury's second-largest impact crater, measuring 716 km in diameter. Formed during the Late Heavy Bombardment approximately 3.9 billion years ago, Rembrandt is notable for its young geological features, as indicated by the density and size distribution of craters along its rim.

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Story summary

On October 6, 2008, NASA's MESSENGER probe discovered Rembrandt, Mercury's second-largest impact crater, measuring 716 km in diameter. Formed during the Late Heavy Bombardment approximately 3.9 billion years ago, Rembrandt is notable for its young geological features, as indicated by the density and size distribution of craters along its rim.