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The scientific consensus is that a layer of liquid water exists beneath Europa's surface, and that heat from tidal flexing allows the subsurface ocean to remain liquid. [ 19 ] [ 80 ] Europa's surface temperature averages about 110 K (−160 °C ; −260 °F ) at the equator and only 50 K (−220 °C; −370 °F) at the poles, keeping Europa's ...
It is thought that they may be composed of ice II or other polymorph of water ice. [2] The prime example of this class of object is Europa. Icy moons warmed by tides may be the most common type of celestial body in the galaxy to have liquid water, [3] and thus the most likely type of object to possibly have water-based life.
Europa is a prime candidate for life in the Solar System, researchers suggest.
This led many to suggest that these cracks might be similar to ice floes on Earth, and that Europa might have a liquid water interior. [30] Europa may be internally active due to tidal heating at a level about one-tenth that of Io, and as a result, the moon is thought to have a thin crust less than 30 kilometers (19 mi) thick of water ice ...
Scientists are almost positive that below Europa's icy exterior, there's about 3 billion cubic kilometers of water sloshing around in a subsurface ocean.
New research suggests there's less oxygen on the icy surface of Jupiter's moon Europa than thought — and that could affect what if any life might be lurking in the moon’s underground ocean.
[33] [34] The moon may have more water and oxygen than Earth and an oxygen exosphere. [35] Enceladus: Saturn: Enceladus – potential habitability: Thought to have a subsurface liquid water ocean due to tidal heating [36] or geothermal activity. [37] Free molecular hydrogen (H 2) has been detected, providing another potential energy source for ...
Life may exist in Europa's under-ice ocean. So far, there is no evidence that life exists on Europa, but the likely presence of liquid water has spurred calls to send a probe there. [36] Recurring plume erupting from Europa. [37] The prominent markings that criss-cross the moon seem to be mainly albedo features, which emphasize low topography.