When we think of volcanoes, we tend to consider them as a 100% earthly behavior; however, scientists have taken time to discover if there is something else urging volcanoes to erupt. In many research papers and for decades, philosophers and scientists have raised a remarkable question: Could the phases of the Moon control or predict volcanic eruptions? Every day, Earth’s tides ebb and flow because of the gravitational tug of the Moon; if the Moon is capable of affecting water, causing waves, why cannot it affect the ground as well? From here, a study was conducted to investigate the Moon’s ability to cause volcanic eruptions on Earth.
Based on geologists’ beliefs, there is likely to be a connection between volcanic eruptions and Moon phases. They believe that when it is a full Moon, and the Moon and the Sun are both lined up behind Earth, or when it is a new Moon and it is placed between the Earth and the Sun, Earth’s gravitational pull—also known as Earth’s tide—is at its strongest condition and could set off a volcano. However, scientists are still not sure whether or not it can cause a volcano due to the lack of evidence; on the other hand, they say that it is very likely for tidal force to play an important role in indicating the exact time of when a major volcanic eruption might occur.
Volcanism on the Moon
Is Earth the only object in the universe that has volcanoes? Scientists believe that volcanism on the Moon has been there since the age of dinosaurs and for most of the 4600 million years of Moon’s history. However, when first discovered, astronomers incorrectly thought that they were looking at seas of lunar water, as the vast plains of basaltic lavas covered much of the lunar surface, and were deposited about millions of years ago, back when the Moon was wracked by violent eruptions.
NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) stated that the volcanic activity on the Moon did not stop abruptly a billion years ago; instead, it slowed gradually, providing researchers strong evidence to support their statement. We have long thought of the Moon as a cold, dead place; however, scientists discovered clues and evidence of dozens of burps of volcanic activity during the past 100 million years, which is considered a mere spot on the geological timescale. They also think that it is likely for an eruption to occur, but probably not within the human lifetime. Moreover, that discovery uncovered a place in which internal heat is still being released in fits and starts. Scientists also say that the Moon turned out to be warmer than they thought.
Ina
In 1971, aboard Apollo 15, a peculiar small crater on the Moon was photographed; it was so unique yet mysterious. No one knows its origin, nor its purpose; however, scientists have named it Ina, and started raising assumptions and theories around its formation. One of those theories states that, in actual volcanoes, calderas, as Ina, are caused when the material at the volcano’s top collapses after magma from below drained away following an eruption. It is possible that, when Ina was sitting on the top of the low volcanic dome, it collapsed unevenly, and relatively recently, to form the patchwork, which exists now. Another theory states that trapped gases such as carbon dioxide and water were heated to such high temperatures by magma from below that they violently blasted right through the crust. As a result, rock and debris hovered everywhere for miles.
A group of other researchers from the LRO mission gathered to agree that the two terrains of Ina are a contrast of both young and old. However, they do not think, as other scientists assume, that the brighter areas are as young as what was stated before. Other high-resolution photos were taken from the Orbiter, indicating the presence of a good number of craters there.
For astronomy devotees who are disappointed, thinking they cannot spot Ina unless they were Apollo 15 passengers, the good news is you can actually see it from right here on Earth. You can always do that via the ACT-REACT map, as most people do; however, if you are someone who is generally familiar with the Moon and have an 8-inch or larger telescope, choose a night when it is a quarter Moon, with calm weather and no clouds, and you will probably be able to see it. As Ina becomes easily visible when light strikes it from a low angle; you should always use high power light while hunting for it.
References
archives.nbclearn.com
astrobob.areavoices.com
nasa.gov
newscientist.com
science.nasa.gov