The moon of Jupiter, Europe has long been one of the most exciting targets in the quest for life across the globe. Many scientists believe the ocean is beneath its ice surface and hosts geological activities that can potentially support life, but what happens on the lunar seabed is still primarily a mystery. The debate about Europe centers around this hidden ocean, but the ice shell that surrounds the moon has its own surprise.
a study It was recently published on Planetary Science Journal It suggests that the surface ice in Europe is constantly changing. The evidence investigated in the study is a better picture of Europe’s outermost layers, and may reveal the internal processes that shape the unique structure of the moon.
European surface ice
Europe It has the smoothest surface of any known object in the solar system, but is far from being lacking in diversity. Surfaces exist with distinct geological features such as ridges, plains, and cracks that intersect each other. Their disorderly appearance is linked to the aptly named “Chaos Terrain”.
Some regions with chaotic terrain also provide insights into European surface ice. Most of the European surfaces are made of amorphous ice, which lacks a crystal structure. Scientists previously believed that the surface of Europe was completely covered with a thin layer of amorphous ice, which was crystalline ice (the type that most ice on Earth takes).
However, researchers involved in the new study have confirmed that crystal ice is contained in certain areas of the European surface, and are in harmony with spectral data captured by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). This same ice also appears below the surface of these areas.
“They’re the best,” said Richard Cartwright, spectroscopist at Johns Hopkins University. statement.
read more: In ice volcanoes, the moon Europe is obscure along with these three other moons
Activities at the sea
Several other factors have convinced researchers that oceans exist beneath the ice-like surfaces of Europe. The regions where ice recrystallize show evidence of sodium chloride (what we know as table salts), carbon dioxide, and hydrogen peroxide.
“Our data showed strong indications that what we are looking at must be sourced from nearly 20 miles of underground oceans under the thick, icy shells of Europe, and perhaps from underground ocean waters,” said Ujwal Raut, Program Manager at the Southwest Research Institute. “This area of fractured surface material may refer to a geological process that pushes the underground material up from below.”
The mission of the European Clipper
Europe and its underground oceans will be important targets for future space exploration, but some scientists have expressed doubts about their ability to sustain life.
A series of obstacles can make finding life in Europe even more difficult. At the American Geophysical Union Conference last year, scientists reported that the ice layer covering the moon’s surface was thicker than expected, indicating that underground oceans may not have enough heat or activity to support life. Scientists still don’t know if the water bottom or undersea volcano is at the bottom of the ocean. These characteristics are important in promoting life on our own planet.
European observations do not fully confirm the existence of PlumEither is a clear indication that material from the ocean can be transported to the surface.
About five years from now, in 2030, scientists will get an unprecedented view of Europe when NASA’s European Clipper approaches the ice moon. It was released last October European Clipper It still reveals many secrets surrounding the moon’s surface and the sea below. Among its various purposes, the mission searches for plumes. Plumes allow microorganisms to be discharged into space for European Clippers to examine if they are present on the moon.
read more: NASA’s European Clipper investigates for living on the ice-like moon plume
article sauce
Our author discovermagazine.com Our articles use peer-reviewed research and high-quality sources, and editors review scientific accuracy and editing criteria. Check out the sources used below in this article.
Jack Knudson is Discover’s assistant editor with a strong interest in environmental science and history. Before taking part in the discovery in 2023, he studied journalism at Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communications and previously interned in Recycle Today’s Magazine.
