Using data from the Galileo space probe that orbiter Jupiter from 1995 to 2003, scientists have determined the strong possibility that there is a body of water beneath the ice pack of Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, the size of the Great Lakes.
What is Europa?
Europa was one of the four moons of Jupiter discovered by Galileo in the early 17th century using his telescope. Its radius is 1,569 kilometers. It is 670,900 kilometers from Jupiter. Europa has a metallic core surrounded by a rock shell. There is a subsurface ocean surrounded by an ice pack that is thought to be in some areas tens of kilometers thick. Europa was first imaged at close range by the Pioneer and Voyager space craft in the 1970s and 1980s. It was studied extensively by the Galileo as it orbited Jupiter in the 1990s and early 21st Century, flying back its various moons.
How did scientists determine the existence of this body of water?
The idea of a body of water beneath the Europa ice pack has been surmised by scientists for years. The Galileo imaged two circular bumpy features on Europa's surface called "chaos terrains." Similar features on Earth suggest that Europa is still geologically active, heated likely by tidal forces. That means plumes of warm water well up against the Europa ice cap, fracturing them, and causing the "chaos" terrain features.
What does this mean for the possibility of life on Europa?
Scientists believe that the interaction between the Europa ice pack and the subsurface bodies of water transfer nutrients and energy that may lead to life existing under the Europa surface. Life in the oceans of Europa would be similar to that which exists deep beneath the oceans on Earth where light does not penetrate.
What is the next step in confirming liquid water under Europa?
Proposals for missions to Europa abound. A Europa Orbiter is designed as part of the proposed Europa Jupiter System Mission. NASA has a concept called the Europa Astrobiology Lander that would examine the surface of the moon for organic and inorganic materials. Much further in the future, some are envisioning a Europa mission called Icepick that would drill through the Europa ice pack and insert a small prove that would explore the subsurface ocean, looking for life and other scientific data. A commitment to funding from likely a coalition of nations would be necessary for any of these missions to become reality.
Mark R. Whittington is the author of Children of Apollo and The Last Moonwalker. He has written on space subjects for a variety of periodicals, including The Houston Chronicle, The Washington Post, USA Today, the L.A. Times and The Weekly Standard.
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