2023-10-25 22:01:34
Published on October 25, 2023 at 10:00 p.m.
A volcano without lava is possible! On Pluto, it was previously believed that a spot on the surface was caused by the impact of a meteorite. Instead, researchers discovered that it was a cryovolcano. Explanations.
What is a cryovolcano?
The surface of the planet Pluto, at the edge of the solar system, is generally covered in methane and nitrogen ice. But the researchers instead discovered an area of water ice and ammonia, which might be a cryovolcano. For researchers, the water ice and ammonia might be evidence of recent cryovolcanic activity, providing valuable clues to the structural composition of the planet. Cryovolcanism is a type of volcano that does not produce magma and is found elsewhere in the solar system. It is composed of water, ammonia and methane. This discovery allows scientists to learn a lot regarding the internal composition of the frozen planet Pluto.
Possible extra-terrestrial life?
There are many cryvolcanoes on icy moons, such as Ganymede and Titan. Cryovolcanic activity indicates possible pockets of liquid water beneath the surface, which would provide significant water sources. Now, who says water, says life! Potential extraterrestrial life might develop under such conditions.
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