Geologically Active Moon Now: NASA

NASA
Thread starter Dotini
Start date Feb 22, 2012
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Moon Nasa

In summary, NASA's discovery of a geologically active moon challenges the belief that moons in our solar system are dead and opens up possibilities for the search for life. This was determined through data from the Cassini spacecraft, which detected evidence of geological activity on the moon's surface. The moon's geological activity is likely caused by tidal forces from Saturn, and other moons in our solar system, such as Europa and Enceladus, are also geologically active and potentially habitable. This discovery has implications for future space exploration, providing new targets for study and potential locations for missions, as well as increasing our understanding of the potential for life beyond Earth.

Feb 22, 2012

Dotini

Gold Member

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LRO/news/lunar-graben.html
A brief video from NASA showing curious geological features of the lunar surface.
Graben indicate stretching of the Moon, lobate scarps tell a story of shrinkage.

Respectfully submitted,
Steve

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Feb 22, 2012

Drakkith

Mentor

Nice! Good to know the Moon still surprises us!

Related to Geologically Active Moon Now: NASA

1. What is the significance of NASA's discovery of a geologically active moon?

NASA's discovery of a geologically active moon is significant because it challenges the long-held belief that moons in our solar system are geologically dead. It opens up new possibilities for the search for life beyond Earth, as geological activity is often linked to the presence of liquid water, which is essential for life.

2. How did NASA determine that the moon is geologically active?

NASA used data from the Cassini spacecraft, which has been orbiting Saturn since 2004, to study the moon's surface and its interactions with Saturn's magnetic field. The spacecraft's instruments detected evidence of geological activity, such as geysers and plumes of water vapor, on the moon's surface.

3. What causes the moon to be geologically active?

The moon's geological activity is likely caused by tidal forces from its parent planet, Saturn. These forces create heat and friction within the moon, which can result in geological activity such as cryovolcanism, the eruption of liquid water and other materials from the moon's surface.

4. Are other moons in our solar system also geologically active?

Yes, there are several other moons in our solar system that are known to be geologically active, such as Jupiter's moon Europa and Saturn's moon Enceladus. These moons are also believed to have the potential for hosting life due to their geological activity.

5. What implications does this discovery have for future space exploration?

The discovery of a geologically active moon has significant implications for future space exploration. It provides new targets for further study and potential locations for future missions, as well as increasing our understanding of the potential for life beyond Earth. It also highlights the importance of continued exploration of our solar system and the potential for even more discoveries.