Tidal Forces Can Stretch Planets

Moons don’t just orbit; they flex their planets.

Gravitational interactions cause tides, but extreme cases, like Io around Jupiter, create volcanic activity. Tidal forces convert orbital energy into heat, literally cooking moons over time.

Why This Matters

Tidal heating can create subsurface oceans or volcanism.

This process affects habitability and internal structures of moons and planets.

Did You Know?

Io’s constant volcanism is powered by Jupiter’s tidal pull.

Source

[NASA, nasa.gov]

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