Recent research indicates that the icy surface of Jupiter's moon Europa may have less oxygen than previously believed, potentially impacting the possibility of life existing in the moon's underground ocean. Despite the lower oxygen levels, scientists speculate that microbial life could still thrive in the ocean located miles beneath Europa's frozen crust.
The study, published in Nature Astronomy, challenges earlier observations that suggested a higher concentration of oxygen in Europa's ice. Data collected by NASA's Juno spacecraft during a close flyby in 2022, just 219 miles from Europa, revealed that between 13 to 39 pounds of oxygen are produced every second on the moon's surface.
These findings contrast with previous estimates that indicated a much higher oxygen production rate of up to 2,245 pounds per second. The oxygen on Europa is generated through a process involving Jupiter's radiation interacting with the moon's frozen water, producing oxygen and hydrogen.
Researchers emphasize the need for further investigation to confirm these new measurements and their implications for the moon's habitability. The upcoming Europa Clipper mission, set to launch this fall, aims to provide more insights by conducting numerous close flybys of Europa while orbiting Jupiter.
While the recent findings suggest a narrower range of oxygen production on Europa, there are still many unanswered questions regarding the fate of this oxygen, including how much escapes into the moon's atmosphere, how much remains in the ice, and how much reaches the subsurface ocean.
Scientists are eager to delve deeper into Europa's complex environment and uncover more about the moon's potential for hosting life. The Juno spacecraft's close encounter with Europa has opened new avenues for exploration and understanding of this intriguing celestial body.
