What question did this study set out to answer?

To map the hemisphere and polar terrain of Mercury not imaged by Mariner 10 and investigate potential radar-bright polar features.

October 23, 1992Science

Mercury Radar Imaging: Evidence for Polar Ice

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Radar imaging reveals anomalous highly reflective polar signatures on Mercury, suggesting the presence of extensive water ice deposits.

To map the hemisphere and polar terrain of Mercury not imaged by Mariner 10 and investigate potential radar-bright polar features.
Performed full-disk radar experiments on 8 and 23 August 1991 at a 3.5-centimeter wavelength using viewing geometry that extended beyond Mercury's north pole.
Transmitted radar signals with the Goldstone 70-meter antenna and captured reflected signals using 26 antennas of the Very Large Array.
Detected a persistently high-reflectivity region located at Mercury's north pole across both observation dates.
Observed circular polarization ratios (pt) of 1.0 to 1.4 in the north polar region, compared to typical terrestrial planet values of less than approximately 0.1, matching signatures seen only in icy regions of Mars and outer planet satellites.

Slade et al. (1992) studied this question.

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