Io's Underground Magma Ocean

Jupiter's moon Io is the most volcanically active body in the solar system, with over 150 active volcanoes. The volcanoes' locations are a mystery, as they don't align with predicted hotspots. This discrepancy may be due to Io's tidal flexing caused by Jupiter and its moons, Europa and Ganymede, which generates heat. Research led by Christopher Hamilton suggests that Io's volcanoes are shifted eastward, possibly due to a faster rotation or an underground magma ocean. The magma ocean theory is supported by evidence from the Galileo probe and could explain the heat flow and volcano locations.

How does the gravitational pull from Jupiter and its moons affect Io's geological activity?

Evaluate responses using AI:

OFF

Discuss the evidence supporting the existence of a magma ocean beneath Io's surface.

Evaluate responses using AI:

OFF