In the coming days a new NASA mission will launch - its destination being the 4th largest moon of Jupiter- EUROPA
This moon has
WATER (a possible 100 kilometre deep sub surface ocean)
ENERGY (the moon is pulled and stretched by the gravity of Jupiter and it's other major moons)
ESSENTIAL CHEMICALS (For life)
ABOUT EUROPA - an intriguing world
Europa is a captivating celestial body that has intrigued scientists and astronomers for decades. With a diameter of about 3,100 kilometres, it is slightly smaller than Earth's moon, yet it possesses some of the most compelling features in our solar system. The moon's surface is primarily composed of water ice, which exhibits a smooth, cracked appearance, suggesting tectonic activity beneath its icy crust.
What makes Europa particularly fascinating is the strong evidence pointing to a subsurface ocean beneath its icy exterior. This ocean, possibly containing more water than all of Earth's oceans combined, is kept warm by the gravitational pull from Jupiter and the resulting tidal heating. This environment raises intriguing possibilities for life, as liquid water is a key ingredient for its existence.
In addition to its potential for harbouring life, Europa is also notable for its thin atmosphere, primarily composed of oxygen, although it is far too thin to support human life. The moon has been the target of numerous scientific studies, including the upcoming Europa Clipper mission, which aims to explore its ice shell and search for signs of habitability.
Overall, Europa stands out not only for its unique geological features but also for the mysteries it holds beneath its icy surface, making it a prime candidate for future exploration in the quest to understand life's potential beyond Earth.
THE NASA CLIPPER MISSION
Europa Clipper’s main science goal is to determine whether there are places below the surface of Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa, that could support life.
The mission’s three main science objectives are to understand the nature of the ice shell and the ocean beneath it, along with the moon’s composition and geology. The mission’s detailed exploration of Europa will help scientists better understand the Astro biological potential for habitable worlds beyond our planet.
NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft will perform dozens of close flybys of Jupiter’s moon Europa, gathering detailed measurements to investigate the moon. The spacecraft, in orbit around Jupiter, will make nearly 50 flybys of Europa at closest-approach altitudes as low as 16 miles (25 kilometres) above the surface, soaring over a different location during each flyby to scan nearly the entire moon.
If you would like to know more then see this short NASA video
It was due to launch on the 10th October but has been slightly delayed due to the hurricane in Florida - but it should go any day now! (Although bot before the 13th October.
But you'll have to wait for results as it is due at its destination in April 2030.....
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