The signs of life on a Jupiter moon could be a centimeter from its surface

Europe, one of Jupiter's satellites, was considered by scientists to be one of the most promising places in the solar system to search for life, because existence of an ocean of salt and liquid water under its icy crust. And now, a new study, done by NASA experts, confirms that, if it exists, it would not be so difficult to find signs of life beneath its surface, even if it is exposed to strong radiation.

A space agency scientist, Tom Nordheim, modeled in detail with his team the radiological environment of Europe. At the same time, they conducted laboratory experiments on the effect that radiation exerts on amino acids, which could provide a possible proof of life, the Space.com portal reports.

The researchers came to the conclusion that favorable satellite, a landing mission should only dig a centimeter into the ice to find recognizable amino acids; in other places, the depth would be between 10 and 20 centimeters.

"Even in the densest radiation zones in Europe, you really have nothing to do but scratch under the surface to find little modified material. or damaged by radiation, "Nordheim told the newspaper

. Experts believe that this would be good news for a possible landing mission in Europe, scheduled after the dispatch of Europe Clipper. After learning that radiation is not a limiting factor in the existence of these potential amino acids, the device could be directed to areas of Europe that are more likely to harbor repositories. fresh oceanic, portal constraints.

/ psg