All articles tagged with #cryovolcano
New research suggests that Kiladze, a feature on Pluto previously thought to be an impact crater, is more likely a caldera from a supervolcano eruption, indicating recent geological activity and potential residual warmth in Pluto's interior.
The "Devil Comet," or Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, a cryovolcano three times the size of Mount Everest, is approaching Earth and expected to erupt soon. With a diameter of 18.6 miles, it completes an orbit around the Sun every 71.2 years and was first observed in 1812. The comet has a history of eruptions, with the most recent significant one occurring on November 14, which increased its brightness. It's known for forming "horns" during eruptions, leading to its nickname. The comet will be closest to Earth in Spring 2024 and will be visible without telescopes, but it poses no immediate threat to our planet.
Scientists analyzing data from NASA's New Horizons mission have discovered a potential ice volcano on Pluto called Kiladze Caldera, which may be the size of Yellowstone. The volcano is believed to have erupted multiple times, spewing cryo-lava made of ice, water, and gases. Kiladze Caldera is surrounded by water ice and shows evidence of ammonia mixed with the ice, suggesting the possibility of liquid cryo-lava. The origin of the water cryo-lava and the presence of a subsurface ocean on Pluto remain mysteries for future research.
A massive "horned" comet, 3 times bigger than Mount Everest, has exploded and is now hurtling towards Earth. The comet, named 12P/Pons-Brooks, measures 18.6 miles in diameter and has erupted twice in the last four months. The explosion caused the comet's coma to sprout "horns" and its shape has been compared to the Millennium Falcon spaceship from "Star Wars." Despite its ominous trajectory, the comet won't reach its closest point to Earth until 2024 and will become visible to the naked eye. This is the second explosion for 12P since July, and it is one of 20 known comets with active ice volcanoes.