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Io: evidence for silicate volcanism in 1986
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|December 2, 1988
Summary
Infrared observations revealed a significant volcanic eruption on Jupiter's moon Io in August 1986. The event, with a temperature exceeding sulfur's boiling point, provides strong evidence for silicate volcanism on Io.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Volcanology
- Infrared Astronomy
Background:
- Io, Jupiter's moon, is known for its intense volcanic activity.
- Previous observations suggested volcanic events but lacked detailed temperature data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze infrared data from Io during a 1986 Jovian apparition.
- To investigate a specific eruptive event on Io's leading side.
- To determine the temperature and size of the volcanic source.
Main Methods:
- Infrared photometry at 4.8, 8.7, and 20 micrometers.
- Analysis of observational data from the 1986 apparition of Jupiter.
- Modeling of the thermal emission from the eruptive source.
Main Results:
- A large eruptive event was detected on Io's leading side on August 7, 1986.
- The source radius was estimated at approximately 15 kilometers.
- The model temperature was approximately 900 Kelvin, significantly above sulfur's boiling point.
Conclusions:
- The high inferred temperature strongly suggests active silicate volcanism on Io.
- High-temperature volcanic activity on Io's leading side may be more frequent than previously assumed.
- Infrared observations are crucial for understanding Io's volcanic processes.
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