One of Jupiter's moons has volcanoes over 450 billion years old. Image: IA
A series of researches Active volcanoes It has given us new perspectives to assess the impact of volcanic activity on geographic regions, not only on our own planet but also on distant celestial bodies. Recent observations are proof of this NASAThis will help to better understand the nature and formation of these phenomena and their impact Evolution of planets and moons.
Volcanic activity in space, although less visible than on our planet, provides important clues about the geography and history of other celestial bodies. These studies not only provide information about volcanic processes, but They help unravel the forces that shaped the solar system from its inception.
Where are the oldest volcanoes almost as old as the Sun?
The oldest and most active volcanoes are located on IoOne of the moons Thursday. This turbulent and vibrant world is famous for its spectacular volcanic eruptions, which have been continuous since the formation of the Solar System approximately 4,571 billion years ago.
It is noteworthy that Alas It is the body with the volcanic activity we know. Despite its intense activity, scientists still have a lot to learn about Io's history, including how long it has been erupting. However, volcanic activity Alas It is very stable, completely renewing its surface every million years, which leads us to believe It may be 4.5 billion years old.
Alas, Jupiter's moon volcanoes are nearly 450 billion years old. Image: IA
How do we know that the volcanoes on the moon Io are similar in age to the Sun?
Age of active volcanoes on Io, almost as old as Sun, determined by geological and spectroscopic studies Volcanic activity has been constant since the formation of the solar system about 4.5 billion years agos. This is due to Io's unique gravitational interactions with Jupiter and other nearby moons, which generate the internal heat necessary to maintain this volcanic activity over time.
“You can't look at the surface of Io and tell anything about what happened a million years ago,” says planetary astronomer Catherine de Kleer of Caltech.
In the study by Kleer and his group, A was usedTakama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) To record the gases in the atmosphere Alas. The results revealed that the Moon has lost 94% to 99% of its original sulfur. This finding supports that theory Alas It has been erupting for about 4.5 billion years, which is consistent with models for the evolution of Jupiter and its inner moons.
The Sun is a massive star that lights up part of the Milky Way. Image: National Geographic
What causes these volcanoes on Jupiter's moons?
Volcanoes in Alasin the month ThursdayIntense tidal forces generated by Jupiter's strong gravitational pull combine with gravitational interactions with other nearby moons Europe Y Ganymede. This situation causes internal heating called tidal heating. The heat melts Io's rocky interior, allowing magma to reach the surface and continued volcanic activity.
Although scientists want to determine whether this phenomenon is permanent, repeated eruptions and volcanic flows have buried any evidence of ancient geological processes.
“The orbital dynamics of planetary satellites can become very chaotic,” notes the planetary scientist. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, James Tuttle Keane. They say Jupiter's moons move in and out of stable orbits, collide with each other, and sometimes get kicked out of the solar system.
What techniques does NASA use to monitor and study the volcanoes on Io?
The NASA Ground and space-based telescopes and space probes such as the Juno mission use it to monitor thermal emissions and surface properties. Alas. These observations It includes high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy to study chemical composition and volcanic activity.
Hubble is a telescope used by NASA scientists to look at objects billions of light years away, such as Jupiter's moons. Photo: NASA
What can Ayo teach us about the possibility of life on other volcanic celestial bodies?
A study of Alas It may provide important insights into how geothermal processes can support ecosystems in the absence of sunlight. Tierra. This helps us understand the conditions under which life could arise or persist in extreme environments outside our planet.
For example, in Tierra, extremophiles thrive in volcanic environments such as hot springs and hydrothermal vents. Studying IO helps us understand whether similar processes can survive in alien volcanic environments with the right temperature and chemistry.
