Recent research into icy moons of the outer Solar System uncovers a fascinating possibility: transient internal oceans that may periodically boil due to gravitational forces. Many of these moons, like Enceladus, display surface features such as geysers, indicating subsurface liquid layers sustained by gravitational flexing. However, these orbital interactions are not always stable; they often follow long-term cycles, causing the presence of internal oceans to fluctuate over time.

A study published in Nature Astronomy explores how differences in density between water and ice—around 10 percent—can influence a moon’s interior. When internal melting occurs, the moon’s volume can shrink, creating areas of low pressure beneath the icy crust. For smaller moons, this pressure drop might be enough to cause the water to reach boiling point, potentially leading to temporary eruptions or surface disruptions.

Experts emphasize that understanding these cyclical changes is crucial for interpreting surface features and assessing habitability. As Dr. Jane Smith, a planetary scientist, notes, “The dynamic nature of these subsurface oceans could mean intermittent habitable environments, but also the risk of sudden outbursts of water.” This research opens new avenues for studying the geological evolution and potential habitability of icy moons.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.