Earth’s Volcanic Activity Makes It Unique

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Steam and gas rise from Kilauea's summit crater in Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii. Wednesday, May 9, 2018. Geologists warned Wednesday that Hawaii's Kilauea volcano could erupt explosively and send boulders, rocks and ash into the air around its summit in the coming weeks. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Steam and gas rise from Kilauea's summit crater in Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii. Wednesday, May 9, 2018. Geologists warned Wednesday that Hawaii's Kilauea volcano could erupt explosively and send boulders, rocks and ash into the air around its summit in the coming weeks. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Is the current volcanic activity in Hawaii possible elsewhere in the solar system?
Mercury, Venus, and Mars no longer have volcanic activity. However, the moons Io (Jupiter), Triton (Neptune), and Enceladus (Saturn), all have active volcanoes. Earth appears to be the only planet in the solar system with such activity.

China’s space plans include providing commercial satellite launch services for clients worldwide, as well as opening the door for private spacefarers.

Evening Planets visible this week: Venus in the west, Jupiter in the east by 8:15p; the two brightest planets visible in the sky. Jupiter is at opposition – earth has passed between the sun and Jupiter, up all night, rising at sunset, setting at sunrise.

Need your telescope fixed? A June 2nd workshop at The Franklin Institute will help you re-learn all you need to know to work your telescope. Learn more here.

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