Final answer:
The MESSENGER mission's instruments provided comprehensive data on Mercury, including atmospheric and surface composition, magnetic field measurements, and thermal imaging, which together led to important discoveries such as water ice and organic compounds near Mercury's poles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The instruments of the MESSENGER mission provided a variety of insights into Mercury's characteristics. These instruments allowed for detailed analysis of atmospheric and surface composition, including the verification of water ice—first detected by radar—in craters near Mercury's poles. This water ice situation on Mercury bears similarity to lunar findings. Furthermore, organic compounds were also discovered mixed with the water ice. Beyond composition analysis, the mission's instruments could also conduct magnetic field measurements and thermal imaging. These functionalities helped scientists better understand the geology, magnetosphere, and temperature dynamics of Mercury.