RETURN TO THE IRON PLANET Mercury, the innermost planet of our Solar System, remains one of the most mysterious. The Messenger Mission will hopefully reveal Mercury's hidden secrets when it becomes the first spacecraft ever to orbit the planet in 2009. New Scientist is published by Reed Business Information (RBI). RBI publishes over 60 titles including: Computer Weekly, Flight International, Estates Gazette, Contract Journal, Commercial Motor, Doctor, Bankers Almanac, Kelly's Business Directory, Kompass, British Exports and many more. For a full listing see the RBI website: www.reedbusiness.com ((M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http:// www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com))....

NEW SCIENTIST: Issue cover date -- 29 January 2000