tidal heating

Tidal heating occurs when the gravitational pull of a nearby massive object, like a planet or moon, causes the interior of a smaller body to flex and deform as it orbits. This continuous stretching and squeezing generate internal friction, transforming gravitational energy into heat. Over time, this process can warm the body's interior, potentially creating subsurface oceans or geological activity. A well-known example is Jupiter’s moon Europa, where tidal heating is believed to keep an underground ocean liquid, possibly supporting conditions favorable for life.