Jupiter is one of the planets in the Solar System. It is orbited by a number of moons, which include the Europa. These times, scientists are trying to search for habitable planets or moons for that matter. These scientists do not mind how far these planets and moons are as long as they need to prove something for mankind.
According to a post via Nature World News, NASA stated that Europa, which is one of Jupiter's moons, is surprisingly more Earth-like than previously thought. A group of researchers from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, conducted a study and said that the ocean condition under the icy surface of Europa has the necessary balance of energy for life to exist.
Furthermore, these researchers stated that the rocky exterior of Europa may be much more complex and more Earth-like than previously thought. In addition, Steve Vance, the planetary scientist and lead author of the research, said that the cycling of oxygen and hydrogen in Europa's ocean will be a major reason for its ocean chemistry and any life.
According to Space Flight Insider, Europa may have volcanic activities and hydrothermal vents. These are from which hot water filled with minerals erupt onto the surface. These scientists are also studying the cycling of other elements in Europa's underground ocean. These elements are like carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur. They even added that hydrogen could be produced by the interaction of the moon's salty ocean water with rock. Serpentinization is a process in which water flows into spaces between mineral grains and interacts with the rock. Different minerals and a release of hydrogen are the key results in the creation of this process.
Is it habitable? Well, the scientists still have to make some more studies about it. People have just to wait and think upon this giant leap of discoveries.
