NASA’s Juno mission cracks decade-long mystery of Jupiter’s moon Io’s volcanic secrets

(Representative Image: Canva)

Scientists with NASA’s Juno mission have unravelled Io’s volcanic mystery. New findings reveal that its volcanoes are fed by individual magma chambers, not a global magma ocean. This discovery ends decades of speculation about the moon’s fiery interior.

Insights into Io’s fiery activity
Jupiter’s moon Io, is the most volcanic body in the solar system. About 400 volcanoes erupt on its surface, blasting lava and plumes. Discovered by Galileo Galilei in 1610, its volcanic activity wasn’t confirmed until 1979. Voyager 1 captured volcanic plumes, leading scientists to investigate Io’s molten depths.

Recent close flybys by Juno in 2023 and 2024 provided critical data. The spacecraft measured Io’s gravity field during these passes. This data revealed the absence of a global magma ocean. Instead, scientists found the volcanoes are powered by localised magma sources.

Tidal forces heating Io’s interior
Io’s elliptical orbit around Jupiter causes relentless tidal flexing. This process generates immense heat by continuously squeezing the moon. Scientists used Juno’s data to study how these forces deform Io’s interior. A global magma ocean would have shown stronger tidal deformation.

NASA’s Juno probe captured stunning images of Jupiter’s volcanic moon Io, featuring detailed views of plumes rising from its surface. (Image: NASA)

Lead author Ryan Park noted the significance of the findings. He highlighted their impact on understanding moons like Enceladus and Europa. The results could reshape theories about planetary formation and evolution.

Juno’s ongoing mission
Juno continues its study of Jupiter and its moons. The spacecraft recently completed its 66th flyby of Jupiter in November 2023. Its next close pass over the gas giant is scheduled for December 27.

The Juno mission, managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, remains critical. It offers invaluable insights into the Jovian system’s mysteries.