NASA's infamous spacecraft, Messenger, which crash landed onto Mercury's surface on April 30 has sent reports that indicates the planet possesses the oldest magnetic field in the history of the Solar System. 

Reports by Pioneer News indicate that though no plausible explanations for this phenomenon could be provided, yet discoveries point out the fact that Mercury's magnetic field is over 4 million years old. This supplements the presence of a liquid core on the planet which comprises nearly 85 percent of the planet's surface. This further raises speculations about Mercury possessing a layer of liquid Iron Sulphide, just beneath its crust.

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Scientists at EarthSky.org seem to believe that this makes Mercury the only planet besides Earth to possess a magnetic field owing to the self sustaining Dynamo Effect. Though it is said that there is a lot of differences in intensities of both planets. It was first discovered in 1974 by reports sent by Mariner 10 probe though the intensity was measured to be less than 1/100 times than Earth. The field however, operates in the same manner as the Earth though the strength is lesser as compared to the blue planet.

Several scientists also quote that this field may have a declining trend and that it would have had been much stronger 4 billion years ago, as compared to what it is today. It would help comprehend the previously unknown planet Mercury and also help supplement the study of its volcanic and tectonic activity.

The red planet Mercury also has a blue colored sunset, due to the reflection of light by very fine dust particles.

The findings were published in the journal Science in the issue dated May 7, 2015.

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