Dust Emission by Active Moons

Abstract

In recent decades, volcanic and cryovolcanic activity on moons within the Solar System has been recognised as an important source of cosmic dust. Two moons, Jupiter’s satellite Io and Saturn’s satellite Enceladus, are known to be actively emitting dust into circumplanetary and interplanetary space. A third moon, Europa, shows tantalising hints of activity. Here we review current observations and theories concerning the generation, emission and evolution of cosmic dust arising from these objects.