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Thursday, October 10, 2024

Possible Volcanic Moon Detected 635 Light-Years Away | NASA/JPL

Possible Volcanic Moon Detected 635 Light-Years Away | NASA/JPL

The existence of exomoons (moons around planets outside our solar system) has long been theorized, but their detection has remained elusive due to their small size and faintness. A new NASA-led study, however, suggests that a potential exomoon may be orbiting the exoplanet WASP-49 b, a gas giant located 635 light-years from Earth. The possible exomoon is believed to be rocky and volcanically active, similar to Jupiter’s moon Io.

The study centers on a sodium cloud near WASP-49 b that was discovered in 2017. It shares characteristics with the gas emissions seen around Io. The scientists tracked the cloud’s motion and the data strongly indicates the presence of a separate orbiting body—an exomoon—as the source.

Further observations are needed to confirm the existence of this potential exomoon. If WASP-49 b indeed hosts a moon similar in size to that of Earth, the exomoon may face a violent fate. Gravitational forces from the exoplanet could eventually cause it to disintegrate.


Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Duration: 2 minutes

Release Date: Oct. 10, 2024


#NASA #Astronomy #Space #Science #Star #WASP49b #Exoplanet #Planet #Exomoon #VolcanicMoon #Lepus #Constellation #Science #Cosmos #Universe #JPL #Caltech #UnitedStates #STEM #Education #Art #Animation #HD #Video

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