NASA’s Juno spacecraft has shattered the long-held theory that Jupiter’s moon Io is powered by a global magma ocean beneath its surface. Instead, Io’s fiery eruptions are now understood to be fueled by localized magma chambers.
Io, one of Jupiter’s four largest moons, is a geologic marvel with over 400 active volcanoes, making it the most volcanic celestial body in the solar system. The moon’s surface is a chaotic tapestry of molten lava flows, volcanic pits, and vibrant sulfur deposits.
Researchers have debated the source of Io’s immense heat driving these eruptions. Was it a vast, white-hot magma ocean or localized heat sources? Juno’s mission to unveil Io’s inner workings provided the answers.
The spacecraft skimmed within 930 miles of Io’s surface, collecting precise data using dual-frequency Doppler measurements and NASA’s Deep Space Network. The findings debunked the global magma ocean theory, revealing that Io’s volcanic activity arises from localized magma chambers.
This discovery sheds new light on the dynamics of other moons and planets, particularly those with tidal heating, such as Europa and Enceladus. It also has implications for our understanding of exoplanets and super-Earths, potentially offering clues to their habitability.
The study highlights the importance of Juno’s mission in unraveling the secrets of volcanic worlds. As the spacecraft continues its extended mission, its data will refine models of planetary formation, tidal heating, and volcanic activity, crucial for interpreting geological processes on distant exoplanets.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2024/12/junos-discovery-ios-volcanic-surface