NASA scientists have solved the mystery of why Jupiter’s moon Io is so volcanically active, revealing a complex process that involves tidal flexing and a network of underground magma chambers.
Io, which is only slightly larger than Earth’s moon, has an estimated 400 volcanoes and is known for its dramatic and violent eruptions. The discovery was made possible by NASA’s Juno spacecraft, which made two close flybys of Io in 2023 and 2024.
Researchers found that Io’s unique orbit around Jupiter creates a process called tidal flexing, where the moon’s distance from its parent planet varies, causing it to be squeezed and released. This flexing creates immense energy, which melts portions of Io’s interior.
However, contrary to previous theories, the data suggests that Io does not have a global magma ocean, but rather a mostly solid interior with each volcano having its own underground chamber of roiling magma. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of planetary formation and evolution, particularly for Jupiter’s moon Europa and Saturn’s moon Enceladus.
The study also provides new insights into the potential existence of liquid water and organic compounds on exoplanets beyond our solar system. With this discovery, researchers have shed light on the complex processes that shape the surfaces of celestial bodies like Io, and will continue to explore and learn more about our universe.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/space/nasa-solves-mystery-of-why-jupiters-io-is-so-volcanically-active