New Horizons Data Uncovers Massive ‘Supervolcano’ on Pluto, Comparable to Yellowstone
Introduction:
Pluto, the demoted planet, may have a massive ice volcano on its surface, according to recent scientific discoveries. Known as Kiladze Caldera, this newly discovered volcano has erupted multiple times, spewing enough cryo-lava to nearly cover the city of Los Angeles. Cryovolcanoes are unique in that they erupt with ice and water instead of molten rock. Kiladze Caldera is one of three cryovolcanic structures on Pluto, including Wright Mons and Piccard Mons. The presence of water ice and ammonia suggests that Kiladze Caldera is relatively young and may be connected to a subsurface ocean on Pluto.
Full Article: New Horizons Data Uncovers Massive ‘Supervolcano’ on Pluto, Comparable to Yellowstone
Pluto’s Hidden Secrets: A Cryo-Volcano the Size of Yellowstone Discovered
Long considered a demoted planet, Pluto has astounded scientists once again with its hidden wonders. Recent findings suggest that an enormous cryo-volcano, comparable in size to Yellowstone National Park, lies dormant beneath Pluto’s icy surface. The volcano, named Kiladze Caldera, was initially identified as a crater. However, further analysis of data from NASA’s New Horizons mission revealed a history of multiple eruptions, expelling vast amounts of ice lava.
The Incredible World of Cryovolcanoes
Unlike traditional volcanoes that spew molten rock, cryovolcanoes erupt with ice, water, and various gases. These unique features have been observed in other bodies within our solar system, including the dwarf planet Ceres and Enceladus, a moon of Saturn. Kiladze Caldera joins the ranks of Pluto’s two other cryovolcanoes, Wright Mons and Piccard Mons.
Uncovering the Mysteries of Kiladze Caldera
Scientists had suspected Kiladze Caldera to be more than just an impact crater due to its peculiar appearance and geographic location. Surrounding the volcano, water ice was discovered, typically hidden beneath layers of methane snow and Pluto’s atmospheric smog. Furthermore, Kiladze Caldera is nestled among fault lines and tectonic features, indicating its volcanic nature.
The Clues in the Ice
A breakthrough came when researchers detected traces of ammonia mixed with the water ice surrounding Kiladze Caldera. Ammonia can lower the freezing point of water, potentially allowing it to flow as liquid cryo-lava. This finding is significant, as ammonia is a crucial component in the formation of amino acids, the building blocks of life.
The Age-Old Mystery
The presence of water ice around Kiladze Caldera suggests that it is relatively young or has experienced recent eruptions in geological timescales. Over time, materials cover the exposed ice, making an uncovered area indicative of a younger surface. “We estimate that the age of Kiladze and its surroundings since the last eruption is only a few million years,” explains lead author and NASA planetary scientist Dale Cruikshank.
The Origin of Cryo-Lava
The source of the water cryo-lava remains a mystery. Cruikshank speculates that Pluto once harbored a global, internal ocean during its early formation. The residual heat in Pluto’s core, combined with freeze-resistant chemicals like ammonia, could keep this ocean liquid. Occasionally, this trapped water might burst through cryovolcanoes like Kiladze Caldera. Alternatively, the subsurface ocean may have frozen long ago, with small pockets of water still fueling volcanic structures.
“This is a puzzle awaiting the next generation of planetary scientists to solve,” says Cruikshank.
Summary: New Horizons Data Uncovers Massive ‘Supervolcano’ on Pluto, Comparable to Yellowstone
Pluto, recently demoted as a planet, may have an ice volcano called Kiladze Caldera on its surface. Scientists now believe that Kiladze Caldera has erupted multiple times, spewing large amounts of cryo-lava. Cryovolcanoes, which erupt with ice, water, and gases instead of molten rock, have been found in other places in the solar system. This discovery adds to our understanding of Pluto’s geology and raises questions about its past and the origin of its cryo-lava.
Pluto FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What did New Horizons data reveal about Pluto?
A: New Horizons data revealed the possibility of an ice-spewing ‘supervolcano’ on Pluto, comparable in size to Yellowstone.
Q: How reliable is this information?
A: The information is based on data collected by NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft during its flyby of Pluto in 2015. Although it is still being studied and analyzed, it provides significant insights into Pluto’s geology.
Q: What is an ice-spewing ‘supervolcano’?
A: An ice-spewing ‘supervolcano’ refers to a volcanic structure that releases large amounts of icy materials, such as water, ammonia, or methane, instead of molten rock. This phenomenon is unique to icy bodies like Pluto.
Q: How does the size compare to Yellowstone?
A: The ice-spewing ‘supervolcano’ on Pluto is said to be of similar size to Yellowstone. This makes it a significant geological feature with the potential to contribute to our understanding of the dwarf planet’s activity and evolution.
Q: Could this ‘supervolcano’ indicate a potential for life on Pluto?
A: While the presence of an ice-spewing ‘supervolcano’ indicates geological activity and interesting processes on Pluto, it does not confirm the existence or potential for life on the dwarf planet. Further research is needed to explore this possibility.
Q: How is this discovery useful?
A: The discovery of an ice-spewing ‘supervolcano’ on Pluto provides valuable insights into the geological and volcanic activity occurring on the icy dwarf planet. It helps scientists in their quest to understand the diverse processes shaping celestial bodies within our solar system.
FAQs Footer
Q: Is there more information available about Pluto and New Horizons mission?
A: Yes, you can find more information about Pluto and the New Horizons mission on NASA’s official website or through various scientific publications.
