JOURNAL ARTICLE

Surprisingly thick ice on Jupiter's moon Europa complicates hunt for life.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2024. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Voosen, Paul 3 of 3

Abstract

The article discusses recent findings that the ice on Jupiter's moon Europa is surprisingly thick, which may complicate the search for extraterrestrial life in its subsurface ocean. The measurements were collected by NASA's Juno spacecraft, revealing an average ice shell thickness of about 35 kilometers, much thicker than previously estimated. These findings suggest that the prospects for life on Europa are dimmer than previously thought, as the thick ice may limit the potential for chemical reactions and connections between the ocean and surface. Further research is needed to confirm these results and understand the implications for future exploration missions. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2024/12, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Publication Date:2024
  • Accession Number:181806823
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