Tidal Heating in Io

Journal Article (2022)
Author(s)

Isamu N. Matsuyama (University of Arizona)

Teresa Steinke (TU Delft - Astrodynamics & Space Missions)

Francis Nimmo (University of California)

Astrodynamics & Space Missions
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.2138/GSELEMENTS.18.6.374
More Info
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Publication Year
2022
Language
English
Astrodynamics & Space Missions
Issue number
6
Volume number
18
Pages (from-to)
374-378

Abstract

Io experiences strong, periodic, gravitational tides from Jupiter because of its close distance to the planet and its elliptic orbit. This generates internal friction that heats the interior, a naturally occurring process in the Solar System and beyond. Io is unique in our Solar System because it gets most of its internal energy from this tidal heating, providing an ideal laboratory for improving our understanding of this fundamental process that plays a key role in the thermal and orbital evolution of the Moon, satellites in the outer Solar System, and extrasolar planets.

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