Mercury Is So Hot, It’s Making Ice

The video explores the presence of water ice on Mercury, a planet with extreme temperatures. Despite surface temperatures reaching over 400°C, ice exists in craters near the poles. Mercury's unique rotation results in long periods of sunlight and darkness, causing temperature extremes. Theories suggest water arrived via asteroids or is created by solar particles reacting with Mercury's surface. This process, also seen on the Moon, may account for 10% of Mercury's ice, with the rest likely delivered by asteroids.

What are the two main theories regarding how water ice arrived on Mercury?

Describe the process by which water vapor is created on Mercury.