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Searching for liquid water in Europa by using surface observatories
Krishan K Khurana1, Margaret G Kivelson, Christopher T Russell
1Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. kkhurana@igpp.ucla.edu
Astrobiology
|November 27, 2002
Summary
Scientists are searching for extraterrestrial life by looking for liquid water. Evidence suggests Jupiter's moon Europa may have a subsurface ocean, detectable with surface observatories.
Area of Science:
- Astrobiology
- Planetary Science
- Geophysics
Background:
- Liquid water is essential for life as we know it.
- The Jovian moon Europa is a candidate for harboring extraterrestrial life due to potential subsurface liquid water.
- Galileo spacecraft data suggests a possible subsurface ocean on Europa, but further confirmation is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize existing evidence for liquid water on Europa.
- To propose a method for unambiguously characterizing Europa's subsurface ocean and interior.
- To determine the composition of Europa's icy crust and ocean.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of geological and geophysical data from the Galileo spacecraft.
- Modeling electromagnetic and seismic observations from surface-based observatories.
- Utilizing magnetometers and seismometers for subsurface investigation.
Main Results:
- Electromagnetic and seismic observations from two surface observatories can provide unambiguous characterization of Europa's interior.
- This method offers the best hope for understanding the three-dimensional structure of Europa's ocean.
- The proposed observatories can help infer the composition of the icy crust and ocean water.
Conclusions:
- Surface-based electromagnetic and seismic observatories are crucial for confirming and characterizing Europa's subsurface ocean.
- This approach will advance the search for life beyond Earth by identifying habitable environments.
- Understanding Europa's interior structure and composition is key to assessing its potential for life.
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