Europa's resemblance to Greenland bodes well for possible life on Jupiter's moon
similarities between double ridges on the Jovian moon's surface and smaller-scale equivalents in Greenland. As the Greenland ridges were formed by subsurface water that refroze, this suggests Europa's counterparts formed the same way. That, in turn, would indicate large volumes of the liquid water necessary to support life similar to that on Earth.
The geographic features are not only common on Europa, but are large enough that the water pockets for these ridges would each be comparable in size to North America's Lake Erie. They'd also be relatively shallow , putting them near other chemicals that could help form life. There are still no direct signs of life on Europa, and there might not be for a long time. NASA is launching itsspacecraft in 2024, but it won't reach orbit until 2030. Even so, the Greenland comparison bolsters the case for investigating Jupiter's fourth-largest moon. It suggests that at least some conditions are well-suited to life, even if factors like the extreme cold limit what's possible.
All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Model Suggests That Europa Has an Oxygen-Rich Ocean Very Similar to EarthNew planetary model suggests Europa may have an oxygen-rich ocean - like Earth! 😮 Jupiter's frozen moon may have a subsurface ocean that pulls oxygen down below its icy surface via pools of saltwater. 📷 NASA
Read more »
NASA rolls back SLS Moon rocket for repairs after multiple failed fueling tests | EngadgetAfter multiple attempts to complete a critical fueling test of its next-generation Space Launch System, NASA has decided to finish the rocket’s “wet dress rehearsal” at a later date..
Read more »
A new explanation for why Jupiter's moon has splendid dunesScientists have long wondered how Jupiter's innermost moon, Io, has meandering ridges as grand as any that can be seen in movies like 'Dune.' Now, a Rutgers research study has provided a new explanation of how dunes can form even on a surface as icy and roiling as Io's.
Read more »
New Model Suggests That Europa Has an Oxygen-Rich Ocean Very Similar to EarthNew planetary model suggests Europa may have an oxygen-rich ocean - like Earth! 😮 Jupiter's frozen moon may have a subsurface ocean that pulls oxygen down below its icy surface via pools of saltwater. 📷 NASA
Read more »
Jason Momoa in negotiations to star in ‘Minecraft’ movie | EngadgetJason Momoa in negotiations to star in ‘Minecraft’ movie
Read more »