Renowned Magazine: Mercury Edition

Renowned's second magazine and the first of our four part series on the Inner Planet.

In this magazine we focus on four themes and how they relate to the the planet Mercury, mixing art with science and astrology to give the reader a wholistic view.

1) Helium - ​​Of all the elements, helium is the most stable. Helium is an odorless, non-toxic gas with the lowest melting and boiling point. It does not burn or react with other elements. Helium is known as the second most abundant element and occupies 6% of Mercury’s exosphere.

Helium typically exists as a gas, but it can alter under extreme conditions. When temperatures near absolute zero, helium is the only element that transforms into a fluid-like state.

The fluidity, intensity and transformative caliber of helium is explored in this issue of Renowned. The works that are featured in this category are ones that embody Helium’s piercing, penetrative energy and transfigurative potential. Ideas are communicated with deliberate intention and dynamic frequencies.

2) Aluminum - Strong, lightweight and sustainable, aluminum is the world’s most abundant, metallic metal. Aluminum occupies 7% of Mercury’s surface. A silvery and ductile element, aluminum is highly remarkable for its juxtaposing strength and lightness. It is resistant to corrosion and can be easily formed and reshaped.

The workability, power and fragility of aluminum is explored in this issue of Renowned. The works that are featured in this category are ones that embody aluminum’s delicate form and flexible capability. Ideas are communicated with a simultaneous strength and softness.

3) Sulfur - Sulphur is a multivalent and abundant non-metal. In its purest

form, sulfur isodorless, tasteless, and pale yellow in color. All living organisms need sulfur–especially humans. Sulfur is a vital component for building our DNA and protecting our cells from damage.

Suflur’s abundance is not limited to our planet. In a recent NASA MESSENGER mission, it was discovered that Mercury’s surface is greatly enriched in sulfur, with up to 4 wt.% being measured on the planet’s surface. Mercury's mantle is abnormally rich in sulfur and has been challenging to understand in relation to the other terrestrial planets.

The abundant, acidic and active nature of sulfur is explored in this issue of Renowned. The works that are featured in this category are ones that embody Sulfur’s corrosive essence and cutting qualities. Ideas are communicated with spontaneity and reflexiveness.

4) Iron - Iron is the sixth most common element in the entire

universe and is an essentialmineral for all living organisms. In its purest form, iron is actually quite brittle and rusts when exposed to air. Iron gains its reputable strength only when it is combined with other minerals and metals. About 70% of Mercury's total weight is from its iron core, making Mercury the most iron-rich planet in the entire Solar System.

The toughness, forcefulness and durability of iron is explored in this issue of Renowned. The works that are featured in this category are ones that embody iron’s deliberate, powerful energy and stable resilience. Ideas are communicated with vigor and forthrightness.