Q: In Moore’s book “Atlas of the Universe,” while discussing Martian surface features, he states: “Whether there is any active volcanism going on now [on Mars] is a matter of debate.” I had always taken for granted that all Martian volcanoes were dormant. Is there any evidence of active volcanism on Mars today? - Nathan Johnson

A: There is no evidence for currently active volcanism on Mars (which would require us to see an actual erruption), however, there is evidence for recent activity. Some volcanoes have lava flows that seem to be quite recent. This does seem to point towards the idea that volcanism on Mars is dormant and not extinct. - Margarita M.