The following 10 images document the most significant discoveries of the Galileo mission.
Prev
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10
Next
Click here for larger image
Volcanic Fire Curtains in Eruption on Io
The detection of very high temperature volcanism--hotter than any terrestrial lavas currently
erupting--is one of the most spectacular discoveries by the Galileo mission at Io. The images are
of an area called Tvashtar and show curtains of lava fountains erupting on the surface. They were
taken by the Galileo spacecraft on November 26, 1999. The active region is approximately 25
kilometers long (15.5 miles) and 1 km (.6 mile) high. The radiant energy emitted from the lava
curtain was so intense that it overpowered the camera's detector and it is registered only in
white.
TRT -
Supers - Video courtesy of NASA
Center Contact - DC Agle, 818/393-9011
HQ Contact - Donald Savage, 202/358-1727
Prev
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10
Next