Telescope on Earth can photograph details of volcanoes on Jupiter’s moon

Astronomers did the record with higher resolution of the moon Io — which orbits Jupiter — using Large Binocular Telescope, located in Arizona, United States. This is the most volcanically active body in the Solar System and its image can provide data on the eruptions that helped shape the surfaces of Earth and our Moon.

To assess the tool’s capabilities, the research team compares the record obtained to a photo of a dime from a distance of 160 kilometers. This analysis was possible with the use of a high-contrast optical instrument, the Shark-Vis, which together with a telescope can cancel out the distortion induced by atmospheric turbulence.

The moon Io is similar in size to our planet’s Moon and its volcanoes show an activity that is extremely more intense than those on Earth. “Io therefore presents a unique opportunity to learn about the enormous eruptions that helped shape the surfaces of the Earth and Moon in their distant past,” said Al Conrad, associate scientist at the Large Binocular Telescope Observatory.

Using the new images from Shark-Vis, astronomers were able to identify a phenomenon taking place: a volcano known as Pele, located in the southern hemisphere of Io, close to the equator, is being covered with materials expelled during the eruption of Pillan Patera, a neighboring geological structure. .

“Sharper images at visible wavelengths, such as those provided by Shark-Vis and the Large Binocular Telescope, are essential for identifying both flare locations and surface changes not detectable in infrared, such as new plume deposits. [coluna de material expelida durante uma erupção],” said Imke de Pater, professor emeritus of astronomy at the University of California-Berkeley and co-author of the research.

Until now, this type of vision had only been achieved by spacecraft sent to Jupiter. “Shark-Vis’ keen vision is suitable for observing the surfaces of many bodies in the Solar System, not just the moons of giant planets, but also asteroids,” said Simone Antoniucci, a scientist who operates the tool. He added: “We have already observed some of these, with the data currently being analyzed, and we are planning to observe more.”