Astrobiology Science and Technology for Exploring Planets (ASTEP)

Seminar Detail

The surface radiation chemistry of Europa and implications for a habitable ocean

Presenter: Kevin Hand

March 8, 2004 01:00 PM Pacific

The surface environment of Europa presents a unique challenge for
astrobiology. While the putative sub-surface ocean may be habitable,
the harsh radiation at the surface will pose severe problems for the
survivability and subsequent detectability of conventional biomarkers.
During this talk I will discuss the implications of the Europan surface
radiation environment for the habitability of a sub-surface ocean and
the implications of this environment for the detection of life on this
moon.

Participation Instructions

http://nai.arc.nasa.gov/seminars/instructions.cfm