NASA’s Juno Catches Birth of a Spectacular New Volcano on Io

How the Discovery Was Made

Using its Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) instrument, NASA's Juno spacecraft has captured the spectacular birth of a new volcano on Jupiter's moon Io. The discovery was made during Juno's 42nd close flyby of Jupiter, providing scientists with a front-row seat to this rare and awe-inspiring event.

Significance of the Discovery

This discovery marks only the second time in history that scientists have witnessed the birth of a volcano on Io. The first observation was made by NASA's Galileo spacecraft in 2001, highlighting the significance of Juno's recent finding. Io is the most volcanically active body in the solar system, offering a unique opportunity to study volcanic processes and their impact on planetary evolution.

Details of the New Volcano

The newly formed volcano, named Loki Patera, emerged within the larger Loki volcanic complex, one of Io's most active regions. Initial observations suggest that Loki Patera is approximately 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) wide and has produced a lava flow that extends for several kilometers. Scientists believe it may be a fissure-type volcano, characterized by eruptions that occur along a linear crack in the surface.

Scientific Implications

The birth of Loki Patera provides valuable insights into the volcanic processes that shape Io's surface. By studying its evolution and characteristics, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of volcanic activity on Io, the role it plays in shaping the moon's geology, and its potential impact on the Jovian system.

Ongoing Research

Juno will continue to monitor Loki Patera and other volcanic features on Io during its extended mission, which is scheduled to end in July 2023. Future observations will provide more detailed information about the volcano's growth, activity, and its contribution to Io's dynamic volcanic landscape.