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Jupiter's Moon Europa could be feeding life below the ice


An artist's interpretation of frozen water on Europa's surface credit : NASA


As we know life needs three main components liquid water, appropriate chemical composition, and a source of energy.

Astrobiologists - scientists who study the origin, evolution, and future of life in the universe - believe that Europa has water and the right chemical compositions but it's difficult to confirm the energy source on Europa. 

On Earth we found life near subterranean volcanoes, deep sea vents, and in other extreme environments. We say them 'Extremophiles'. These life forms give scientists clue about how life can be possible beneath the ice shell of Jupiter's Moon Europa.

A research shows Europa is pulling down the oxygen below the icy shell, where it could be feeding the life (the simple life).

Hypothetical ocean crybot of the Jupiter's moon Europa, credit: NASA


The frozen moon have oxygen at its surface, another hint of life. This oxygen is generated when the sunlight and charged particles from Jupiter strike the surface of Europa. But the problem is the moon's thick icy layer which is the barrier between oxygen and ocean. As Europa's surface is frozen solid so any life form would have to be possible in the vast deep ocean.

We will have to wait a while, Nasa's clipper mission gonna launch in October 2024 and will reach Jupiter in 5.5 Years, this mission will last for 4 years. And scientists are estimating it could be 2034 until we have complete data.

We all know there could be a bacterial life form or a complex one, about which we don't know a thing. What would you call the life on Europa, Alien?

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