Recent images captured by NASA’s Juno spacecraft have elucidated the extraordinary geological nature of Jupiter’s moon Io, the Solar System’s most volcanically active body, boasting over 400 active volcanoes.

During multiple flybys, Juno has revealed striking data, including a vast thermal anomaly situated near Io’s south pole, highlighting its intense volcanic activity.

Originally dispatched to study Jupiter, Juno’s mission has been extended beyond its primary objectives, now focusing on detailed investigations of three notable Galilean moons: Ganymede, Europa, and Io. Previous reports have detailed Juno’s observations of Io.

In its most recent flyby, Juno detected an active volcanic region on Io’s surface, with energy output surpassing six times that of all terrestrial power plants, yielding radiance exceeding 80 trillion watts.

“Juno’s recent close encounters with Io have yielded findings that consistently astonish us. The insights gathered from this latest flyby are extraordinary, underscoring the remarkable volcanic activity of this moon,” stated Scott Bolton, the mission’s principal investigator at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. (NASA press release)

Further, the data suggests multiple closely spaced thermal events, indicative of an expansive subsurface magma system. This revelation could lead to significant advancements in our understanding of both Io’s volcanism and the dynamics of other celestial bodies.

For additional insights, Juno’s next flyby is scheduled for March 3rd, where it will re-evaluate the hotspot and examine potential surface changes, which can provide essential clues regarding the longevity and characteristics of such eruptions.

This article was originally published by Universe Today. Read the original article.