This high-resolution image shows the intersection of two crater rims. The full craters can be seen in this context image -- the high-resolution image covers the rim intersection very close to the context image center. Downslope movement of material in the crater wall has exposed fresh, brighter soil.

This image was acquired as a high-resolution targeted observation. Targeted observations are images of a small area on Mercury's surface at resolutions much higher than the 200-meter/pixel morphology base map. It is not possible to cover all of Mercury's surface at this high resolution, but typically several areas of high scientific interest are imaged in this mode each week.

Date acquired: March 10, 2014
Image Mission Elapsed Time (MET): 36770148
Image ID: 5908044
Instrument: Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) of the Mercury Dual Imaging System (MDIS)
Center Latitude: 65.02°
Center Longitude: 255.4° E
Resolution: 12 meters/pixel
Scale: This image is approximately 8.8 km (5.5 mi.) across.
Incidence Angle: 73.1°
Emission Angle: 5.8°
Phase Angle: 78.9°

The MESSENGER spacecraft is the first ever to orbit the planet Mercury, and the spacecraft's seven scientific instruments and radio science investigation are unraveling the history and evolution of the Solar System's innermost planet. MESSENGER acquired over 150,000 images and extensive other data sets. MESSENGER is capable of continuing orbital operations until early 2015.

For information regarding the use of images, see the MESSENGER image use policy.