In fact, there's even a theory that suggests life on Earth first developed around similar vents on Earth! To find out if there is life under Europa's icy surface, scientists are sending a probe into orbit around Jupiter that will also make close passes by Europa. Image via NASA/JPL-Caltech.Ī molten core means vents, and vents may mean life. Europa is constantly being squeezed by Jupiter's gravity like an giant stress ball, which means it probably has an active, molten core just like Earth's.Īn artist's impression of Europa's surface, with Jupiter visible in the background. Instead the life around them gets its energy from the superheated water and chemicals that erupt up from vents. On Earth, these vents exist deep under the ocean where sunlight never penetrates. Image from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Yes, Europa's icy surface probably means the oceans are completely dark, and yes, most food chains on Earth are based around the sun, but let us introduce you to our little friend: the hydrothermal vent. And that's very astute of you to wonder - but here's your answer: On Earth, deep-sea vents are capable of powering entire alien ecosystems. OK, yes, we know, we know - if the entire moon is covered in ice, then how is that alien life getting energy? Doesn't it need sunlight? So, if there is liquid water under Europa's icy surface, it is extremely likely that there are signs of life below. Image from Michael Daly/Uniformed Services University/Wikimedia Commons. Buried under miles of rock? Is there water? Then there's life! There's even bacteria inside nuclear waste disposal dumps! Image from Bruno de Giutsi/Wikimedia Commons. In fact, just about every place on Earth where we've found liquid water, we've found life. That's important because liquid water and life are totally in love with each other. Even though Earth is more than four times larger in diameter than Europa, it is estimated that Europa has more than twice as much ocean water. And below that ice might be a gigantic ocean. GIF from "Star Wars: A New Hope." Here's the thing - while Europa's surface might look like a big, dusty rock, it's actually ice.
He's not mad, he's just excited about so much science happening. There's a chance (probably a good one) they're gonna find aliens there. NASA is making plans to send a probe to Europa - one of Jupiter's more than 60 moons - and you wanna know why we should all be excited about this?
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