NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

  1. Content with the tag: “europa

  2. DDF: Geomicrobiology of a Unique Ice-Sulfur Spring Ecosystem in the High Arctic

    ROADMAP OBJECTIVES: 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 7.1, 7.2

    Surface Processes and Surface-Subsurface Transport on Europa

    ROADMAP OBJECTIVES: 2.2
  3. Alien Safari Part 6: Generations


    At the most recent NASA Astrobiology Science Conference, a panel of scientists discussed different types of planets where we might find alien life. In part six of this series, the panelists answer audience questions about the origin and evolution of life elsewhere.

    Source: [Astrobiology Magazine]

    Tags , , , , ,
    Comments No comments yet, you could be the first.
  4. Hiding from Jupiter's Radiation



    Researchers as part of NASA’s Exobiology and Evolutionary Biology program are mapping the surfaces of Jupiter’s moons Europa and Ganymede. One goal is to identify ‘dead zones’ where the powerful radiation of Jupiter would likely destroy any interesting organic compounds. The team also hopes to find areas that are possible ‘safe havens’ – where materials expelled from the moons’ subsurface oceans might survive. Such areas could be extremely important sites for future missions to the Jovian system.

    Source: [Astrobiology Magazine]

    Tags , ,
    Comments No comments yet, you could be the first.
  5. Unmasking Europa




    We may not be able to judge a book by its cover, but hopefully we can judge a moon by its surface. Jupiter’s moon Europa is a primary target of astrobiology in our solar system because some scientists think it may harbor a habitable ocean beneath it’s icy crust. Richard Greenberg, professor in the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona and former member of the imaging team of NASA’s Galileo spacecraft, has now released a book about the scratched and splotchy surface of Europa.

    Source: [Astrobiology Magazine]

    Tags ,
    Comments 1
  6. Exploring Europa on Earth



    A liquid ocean may lie hidden beneath the icy surface of Jupiter’s moon Europa. Astrobiologists theorize that hydrothermal vents at the bottom of this ocean could provide all of the ingredients needed to support life – much like the hydrothermal vents at the bottom of Earth’s oceans. Exploring such habitats on Europa won’t be as easy as it is on our own planet, which is why NASA-funded engineers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution plan to practice on Earth first.

    Source: [Astrobiology Magazine]

    Tags ,
    Comments No comments yet, you could be the first.
  7. Wandering Poles on Europa


    Europa

    A new study in the May 15th issue of Nature from NAI’s Carnegie Institution of Washington Team reveals that Europa’s poles may not have always been located in the same place. Using images from three NASA spacecraft, Voyager, Galileo, and New Horizons, the study mapped surface features on Europa and matched them with a pattern predicted if Europa had experienced an episode of ~80 degree true polar wander. This movement of the pole and subsequent change in rotation axis is only possible if Europa’s outer shell is decoupled...

    Read More

    Tags , , , , , ,
    Comments No comments yet, you could be the first.
  8. Salinity of Europa's Ocean


    New research from NAI’s SETI Institute Team published online in Icarus today outlines the empirical range of salt concentrations permitted for Europa’s ocean. Solutions within the range imply high, near-saturation salt concentrations and require a Europan ice shell of less than 15 km thick, with a best fit at 4 km ice thickness. The paper examines the implications for subsurface habitability.

    Source: [Link]

    Tags , ,
    Comments Commenting has been closed.
  1. Tell us what you think!


    It's your Astrobiology Program: please help us out by sending comments on what's here, and ideas for new features.

Page Feedback

Email (optional)
Comment
Tags