Thursday, October 2, 2008

Largest Volcanic Eruption in the Solar System

photo source: www.berkeley.edu


Jupiter's moon Io is the most volcanically active object in the solar system because of tidal interaction with Jupiter. It is covered with volcanoes that erupt sulfur, sulfur dioxide and silicate rock, and as a result, Io is constantly being resurfaced. Its lavas are the hottest known anywhere in the solar system, with temperatures exceeding 1,800 K (1,500 °C). In February 2001, the largest recorded volcanic eruptions in the solar system occurred on Io.
entry borrowed from Wikipedia

Thanks to Nate for suggesting this post!

No comments:

Post a Comment