In addition to the surface morphology base map, MDIS is currently acquiring a color base map during the mission's first 176
days. The color base map is composed of WAC images taken through eight different narrow-band color filters and will cover
more than 90% of Mercury's surface at an average resolution of 1 km/pixel (0.6 miles/pixel) or better. In contrast to the imaging
conditions best suited for seeing surface topography, the highest-quality color images of Mercury's surface are obtained when
both the spacecraft and the Sun are overhead and shadows are limited. The eight different color filters of the WAC that are used
to create the color base map have central wavelengths of 430, 480, 560, 630, 750, 830, 900, and 1000 nm. The images acquired
through these narrow-band filters are combined to create color images that accentuate color differences on Mercury's surface. As
an example, this image was created by using three images acquired as part of the color base map with the central wavelengths
of 1000, 750, and 430 nm displayed in red, green, and blue, respectively. The bright, rayed crater is Snorri (21 km diameter).

On March 17, 2011 (March 18, 2011, UTC), MESSENGER became the first spacecraft ever to orbit the planet Mercury. The
mission is currently in its commissioning phase, during which spacecraft and instrument performance are verified through a
series of specially designed checkout activities. In the course of the one-year primary mission, the spacecraft's seven scientific
instruments and radio science investigation will unravel the history and evolution of the Solar System's innermost planet.