‘635 light-years away’: NASA discovers sign of a volcanic moon orbiting exoplanet WASP-49 b
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Potential Volcanic Exomoon Detected
New research from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory suggests signs of a volcanic moon orbiting the exoplanet WASP-49 b, located 635 light-years from Earth. The discovery is based on a sodium cloud near the planet that could be caused by volcanic activity on a moon.
Sodium Cloud as a Key Clue
The sodium cloud, first detected in 2017, is slightly out of sync with the gas giant planet WASP-49 b, leading researchers to believe it may come from a moon similar to Jupiter’s volcanic moon Io, which produces gas clouds from its volcanic eruptions.
Unconfirmed Exomoons
While no exomoons (moons orbiting planets outside our solar system) have been confirmed yet, researchers have identified multiple candidates, including this one. These moons may remain undetected due to their small size and dimness relative to current telescope capabilities.
Similarities to Io’s Volcanism
The sodium cloud detected around WASP-49 b resembles the gas clouds formed by emissions from Jupiter’s moon Io, the most volcanic body in our solar system. Io’s volcanic activity ejects gases like sulfur dioxide and sodium, which can create clouds around the planet.
Cloud’s Unusual Movement
The sodium cloud around WASP-49 b was observed moving faster than the planet itself and expanding at irregular intervals, suggesting it might be produced by a separate orbiting body, possibly a volcanic moon.
Observations from Advanced Telescopes
The European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope helped confirm that the sodium cloud exists high above the planet’s atmosphere. This position, combined with irregular cloud behavior, points to a potential exomoon source.
Tidal Volcanism as a Cause
If the exomoon is confirmed, its volcanic activity may be driven by tidal forces from the planet’s gravity, similar to how Jupiter’s gravity causes volcanic eruptions on Io. This phenomenon, known as tidal volcanism, would heat the moon’s interior, leading to mass ejections of sodium and other gases.
Exomoon’s Possible Demise
Researchers estimate that if such a moon exists, it could eventually disintegrate due to the gravitational squeezing and rapid loss of mass. The study, published in *Astrophysical Journal Letters*, suggests this potential moon may have a violent end.