Europa has an enormous ocean of warm liquid water under its frozen crust. The bottom of this ocean could be a similar environment to primitive Earth, potentially hosting microorganisms. Credit: NASA
Brazilian scientists compare primitive Earth scenario with satellite Europa’s conditions; the jupiterian moon could host microorganisms at the bottom of a huge warm ocean located underneath its frozen crust. Jupiter’s icy moon Europa is a major target of astrobiology research in light of the possibility that it offers a habitable environment in the Solar System. Under its ice crust, estimated to be 10 km thick, is an ocean of liquid water of over 100 km deep. A huge source of energy deriving from gravitational interaction with Jupiter keeps this water warm.
Theoretical research to evaluate the ...
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