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A simulated view from the surface of Europe, one of Jupiter’s four Galilean moons. | Credit: NASA
New observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) paint a new picture of Jupiters Moon Europe and reveal the hidden chemistry of the Icy Moon’s interior.
Scientists presented the frozen surface of Europe as a silent, silent shell for decades. But the new observations show that it is actually a dynamic world that is far from becoming in time.
“We believe that the surface is quite porous and warm enough in some areas so that the ice cream quickly convert,” said Richard Cartwright, Spektroskoper from John’s Hopkins University, used physics laboratory and senior author of the new study.
Perhaps even more exciting is what this surface activity shows about the underground ocean in Europe. The presence of geological activities and the ongoing cycling between underground and surface make “chaos area” – heavily disturbed regions in which ice blocks canceled, driven and restored – particularly valuable as potential windows in Europe.
The study focused on two regions in the southern hemisphere in Europe: Tara Regio and Powys Regio. Tara Regio in particular is one of the most fascinating areas of the moon. Observations of JWST Detected crystalline ice on both the surface and deep below – in question, earlier assumptions about how ice is distributed on Europe.
Related: Discover Jupiters icy ocean moon Europe in Nasa Virtual Tour (Photos)
By measuring the spectral properties of these “chaos” regions using data from afar, scientists were able to receive valuable insights into the chemistry of Europe and their habitability potential, they explained in the paper, which was published on May 28th in the planet Science Journal.
“Our data showed strong indications that what we see from the interior must be taken from the interior, perhaps from an underground ocean, almost 20 miles (30 kilometers) under Europe’s thick icy shell,” said Ujjwal, program manager at the Southwest Research Institute and co-author of the study in the statement.
Hidden chemistry
Raut and his team carried out laboratory experiments to examine how water freezes on Europe, where the surface is constantly bombarded by charged particles from space. In contrast to the earth, where ice cream naturally forms a hexagonal crystal structure, intensive radiation on Europe disturbs the structure of the ice and will lead to it becoming a so -called amorphous ice – a disordered, non -crystalline shape.
The experiments played a crucial role in the demonstration of how the ice cream changes over time. By investigating how the ice is transformed between different conditions, scientists can learn more about the surface dynamics of the moon. In combination with fresh data from JWST, these results contribute to a growing number of evidence that show that a huge, hidden liquid ocean is under the icy shell of Europe.
“In this region […] We see many other unusual things, including the best evidence of sodium chloride, such as table salt that probably come from the interior, “said Cartwright.” We also see some of the strongest evidence for Co.2 and hydrogen peroxide on Europe. The chemistry in this place is really strange and exciting. “
These regions, which are characterized by broken surface characteristics, can indicate the geological activity that presses material under Europe under the icy shell of Europe.
NASA’s Jupiter observation mission has taken its closest picture of the mysterious, ice-covered moon of Europe of the gas giant. | Credit: NASA/JPL-CALTECH/SWRI
The JWST nirspec instrument is particularly suitable for examining the European interface, since it can recognize important chemical signatures via a wide range of infrared wavelengths. This includes characteristics associated with crystalline water ice cream and a specific form of carbon dioxide, which are referred to as ¹³co₂ that are important for understanding the geological and chemical processes of the moon.
Nirspec can measure these features at once and at the same time create detailed cards that show how these materials are distributed over the European surface. Its high sensitivity and ability to collect both spectral and spatial data make it an ideal instrument to find information on what is under the icy crust of Europe.
The team recognized higher carbon dioxide levels in these areas than in the surrounding regions. They came to the conclusion that it was more likely to come from the underground ocean than from external sources such as meteorites, which would have led to a more even distribution.
In addition, carbon dioxide under the intensive radiation environment of Europe is unstable, which indicates that these deposits are relatively new and are tied to ongoing geological processes. “The proof of a liquid ocean under Europe’s icy shell is the assembly, which makes it as exciting as we continue to learn more,” said Raut.
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Another fascinating finding was the presence of Carbon-13, an isotope of carbon. “Where is that? 13Co2 come from? It is difficult to explain, but every street attributes to an inner origin that matches other hypotheses about the origin of 12Co2 Detected in Tara Regio, “said Cartwright.
This study comes when the Europa Clipper Mission of NASA is currently on the way to the Jovian Moon with an expected arrival in April 2030. The spaceship will carry out dozens of Flybys, whereby everyone brings them closer to the surface of Europe to collect critical data about the hidden ocean that is hidden the contemplative crust.
