Jupiter’s moon Europa contains carbon that likely originated in a subsurface ocean. NASA reports this.
Scientists, using data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, have identified carbon dioxide in one area on the icy surface of Europa, according to a statement on the agency’s website. The analysis shows that this carbon likely originated in the subsurface ocean rather than being delivered by meteorites or other external sources. Moreover, it was deposited recently on a geological time scale. This discovery has important implications for the potential habitability of Europa’s ocean.
“Jupiter’s moon Europa is one of the few worlds in our solar system that could potentially host conditions suitable for life. Previous studies have shown that beneath its water-ice crust lies a salty ocean of liquid water with a rocky seafloor. However, planetary scientists have not confirmed whether this ocean contains the chemicals necessary for life, especially carbon,” the report notes.
