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At
one-third the size of earth, Io is the most volcanically active
body in the solar system. The nearest to Jupiter of the four large
moons, Io's surface is riddled with volcanoes which erupt frequently,
spewing lava, dust and gases onto its landscape.
Named
after the river nymph who's beauty attracted Zeus, Io is strongly
influenced by Jupiter's incredible gravitational grip, which causes
Io to expand and contract due to the force of tides created by Io's
orbit.
Io
is believed to have a metallic core. Its surface is mostly flat
plains, but mountains as high as 9 km have been observed by scientists.

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