Doesn't seem to be any ongoing discussion of
this probe headed toward Mercury.
Thought I'd start one just to keep anyone interested informed. Doing a countdown is somewhat meaningless considering that this probe is actually counting UP at this point.
Why does NASA insist on making acronyms? Considering the role of Mercury in the ancient Pantheon, isn't simply Messenger a good enough name? Did they have to make it into a very awkward acronym (MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging)?
Anyway, it is presently in an eliptical orbit that will bring it across Earth's orbit within the next few weeks before heading inward and getting a gravity brake(?) from Venus later this year.