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Synchronized Eruptions on Io: Possible Evidence of Interconnected Subsurface Magma Reservoirs.

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Title: Synchronized Eruptions on Io: Possible Evidence of Interconnected Subsurface Magma Reservoirs.
Authors: Mura, A.1 (AUTHOR) alessandro.mura@inaf.it, Lopes, R.2 (AUTHOR), Nimmo, F.3 (AUTHOR), Bolton, S.4 (AUTHOR), Ermakov, A.5 (AUTHOR), Keane, J. T.2 (AUTHOR), Tosi, F.1 (AUTHOR), Zambon, F.1 (AUTHOR), Sordini, R.1 (AUTHOR), Radebaugh, J.6 (AUTHOR), Rathbun, J.7 (AUTHOR), McKinnon, W.8 (AUTHOR), Goossens, S.9 (AUTHOR), Paris, M.1 (AUTHOR), Mirino, M.1 (AUTHOR), Cicchetti, A.1 (AUTHOR), Piccioni, G.1 (AUTHOR), Noschese, R.1 (AUTHOR), Sindoni, G.10 (AUTHOR), Plainaki, C.10 (AUTHOR)
Source: Journal of Geophysical Research. Planets. Jan2026, Vol. 131 Issue 1, p1-16. 16p.
Subject Terms: *Volcanic eruptions, *Volcanology, *Geology, Magmas, Juno (Space probe), Jupiter (Planet), Force & energy
Company/Entity: United States. National Aeronautics & Space Administration
Abstract: On 27 December 2024, Juno's JIRAM (Jovian InfraRed Auroral Mapper) instrument observed an unprecedented volcanic event in Io's southern hemisphere, covering a vast region of ∼65,000 km2, near 73°S, 140°E. Within the imaged region, only one hot spot was previously known (Pfd454). This feature was earlier estimated to cover an area of 300 km2 with a total power output of 34 GW. JIRAM results show that the region produces a power output of 140–260 TW, over 1,000 times higher than earlier estimates and likely exceeding the brightest eruption ever recorded on Io, that of Surt in 2001 (∼80 TW). Three adjacent hot spots also exhibited dramatic power increases: P139, PV18, and an unnamed feature south of the main one that surged to ∼1 TW, placing all of them among the top 10 most powerful hot spots observed on Io. A temperature analysis of the features supports the simultaneous onset of these brightenings and suggests a single eruptive event propagating beneath the surface across hundreds of kilometers; this is the first time this has been observed on Io. This in turn would imply a connection among the hotspots' magma reservoirs, while other nearby hotspots that have been known to be active in the recent past, such as Kurdalagon Patera, appear unaffected. The simultaneity supports models of massive, interconnected magma reservoirs. The topology of these regional magma systems may resemble that of a large‐scale sponge, in which the massive reservoirs are the pores, interconnected through a largely solid outer shell. Plain Language Summary: On 27 December 2024, NASA's Juno spacecraft observed an enormous volcanic eruption on Io, Jupiter's most volcanically active moon. The eruption covered a vast area of about 65,000 km2 in the southern hemisphere and released an estimated 140–260 TW of energy‐possibly the most intense volcanic event ever recorded on Io, far surpassing previous eruptions. The eruption affected multiple volcanic hot spots, with some increasing in brightness by over 1,000 times their usual levels. Scientists believe this was a single massive event spreading underground across hundreds of kilometers, linking multiple magma reservoirs. However, other nearby volcanoes remained unaffected, adding complexity to how Io's interior works. This unprecedented event suggests that Io's volcanoes may be more interconnected than previously thought. Future observations by Juno could reveal whether the eruption left behind new lava flows or ash deposits, helping scientists better understand the moon's geology and volcanic activity. Key Points: A late‐2024 volcanic event was the most powerful ever observed on Io, releasing 140–260 TW of energy from a vast 65,000 km2 areaThe simultaneous eruption of distant hotspots reveals a single, extensive subsurface magma reservoir connecting themFindings support a "sponge‐like" regional magma network, reshaping the understanding of Io's interior [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Abstract:On 27 December 2024, Juno's JIRAM (Jovian InfraRed Auroral Mapper) instrument observed an unprecedented volcanic event in Io's southern hemisphere, covering a vast region of ∼65,000 km2, near 73°S, 140°E. Within the imaged region, only one hot spot was previously known (Pfd454). This feature was earlier estimated to cover an area of 300 km2 with a total power output of 34 GW. JIRAM results show that the region produces a power output of 140–260 TW, over 1,000 times higher than earlier estimates and likely exceeding the brightest eruption ever recorded on Io, that of Surt in 2001 (∼80 TW). Three adjacent hot spots also exhibited dramatic power increases: P139, PV18, and an unnamed feature south of the main one that surged to ∼1 TW, placing all of them among the top 10 most powerful hot spots observed on Io. A temperature analysis of the features supports the simultaneous onset of these brightenings and suggests a single eruptive event propagating beneath the surface across hundreds of kilometers; this is the first time this has been observed on Io. This in turn would imply a connection among the hotspots' magma reservoirs, while other nearby hotspots that have been known to be active in the recent past, such as Kurdalagon Patera, appear unaffected. The simultaneity supports models of massive, interconnected magma reservoirs. The topology of these regional magma systems may resemble that of a large‐scale sponge, in which the massive reservoirs are the pores, interconnected through a largely solid outer shell. Plain Language Summary: On 27 December 2024, NASA's Juno spacecraft observed an enormous volcanic eruption on Io, Jupiter's most volcanically active moon. The eruption covered a vast area of about 65,000 km2 in the southern hemisphere and released an estimated 140–260 TW of energy‐possibly the most intense volcanic event ever recorded on Io, far surpassing previous eruptions. The eruption affected multiple volcanic hot spots, with some increasing in brightness by over 1,000 times their usual levels. Scientists believe this was a single massive event spreading underground across hundreds of kilometers, linking multiple magma reservoirs. However, other nearby volcanoes remained unaffected, adding complexity to how Io's interior works. This unprecedented event suggests that Io's volcanoes may be more interconnected than previously thought. Future observations by Juno could reveal whether the eruption left behind new lava flows or ash deposits, helping scientists better understand the moon's geology and volcanic activity. Key Points: A late‐2024 volcanic event was the most powerful ever observed on Io, releasing 140–260 TW of energy from a vast 65,000 km2 areaThe simultaneous eruption of distant hotspots reveals a single, extensive subsurface magma reservoir connecting themFindings support a "sponge‐like" regional magma network, reshaping the understanding of Io's interior [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:21699097
DOI:10.1029/2025JE009047