Glossaria.net

Glossary Astronomy / Term

Tidal forces

The gravitational pull on planetary objects from nearby planets and moons. When the tidal forces of a planet and several moons are focused on certain moons, particularly if the orbits of the various objects bring them into alignment on a repeated basis, the tidal forces can generate a tremendous amount of energy within the moon. The intense volcanic acivity of Io is the result of the interaction of such tidal forces.

Permanent link Tidal forces - Creation date 2020-03-15


< Tholus Glossary / Astronomy Tidal heating >