The giant planet Jupiter has nearly 100 known moons, yet none have captured the interest and imagination of astronomers and space scientists quite like Europa, an ice-shrouded world that is thought to possess a vast ocean of liquid salt water. For decades, scientists have wondered whether that ocean could harbor the right conditions for life, placing Europa near the top of the list of solar system bodies to explore.
Based on calculations, not observations. And we know a lot is going on on the surface ice, even far more than I had realized. GEO GIRL on YouTube has a couple of great videos (one made with Geosociety’s channel) on the Europa Clipper mission and what it’s measuring and looking for. Until that info becomes available, we’re doing more speculation than anything else. And uh, life finds a way.
Also, how they’re accomplishing that mission, including the planned orbits and other aspects, is incredible.