Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science Volcanic worlds across the Solar System
May 28, 2025
Join Rosaly Lopes, a senior research scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and an expert in planetary volcanology, as she unveils the secrets of volcanic activity across the Solar System. Explore the fiery landscapes of Jupiter's moon Io and the surprising volcanic features on Venus, thanks to groundbreaking radar data. Discover intriguing cryovolcanic signs on dwarf planets Eris and Makemake, and marvel at the latest findings from the Juno mission. Space geology has never been more thrilling!
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Voyager Discovers Io's Volcanism
- Voyager's flyby in 1979 first revealed Io's extreme volcanic activity, earning it the nickname "pizza moon" for its colorful surface.
- The discovery of active plumes and lack of impact craters showed volcanic resurfacing was erasing evidence of impacts.
Sulfur Colors Io's Surface
- Io's vibrant colors mainly come from many forms of sulfur on its surface.
- The moon hosts over 120 active volcanoes, far more than initially discovered by Voyager.
Tidal Heating Powers Io's Volcanism
- Io's intense volcanism results from tidal heating caused by gravitational tugs from Jupiter and other Galilean moons.
- This tidal flexing generates heat that maintains Io's molten interior and volcanic activity.