One Day A Rover From Earth Will Go Here

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap090308.html

Jupiter's Icy moon Europa:  Under it's ice sheets is a large, deep ocean.  Tidal stress between Jupiter and other Jovian moons  keeps Europa's core molten.  Thermal vents at the floor of Europa's oceans may provide all the elements necessary for some forms of life, as yet to be detected.  This blog supports the continued exploration by orbiter, lander and rover of the Jovian system.  Hopefully we will see what lies underneath the ice.

A Cross Section of Europa

Europa is the sixth moon of the planet Jupiter.  It is a little smaller than Earth's moon.  It is mostly rock and likely has an iron core.  Europa has only the slightest atmosphere, mostly Oxygen.  The small moon orbits Jupiter every 3 days.

Is there life on Europa?

The short answer is possibly.  Many astrobiologists believe that wherever liquid water can be found there also is a high likelihood of finding life, at least in a bacterial form.  However, we must assume the laws of evolution are universal.  Over time elementary life may take on increasingly more complex forms.


More answers will come with future exploration.  The Europa Jupiter System Mission or EJSM has been given priority by NASA and the European Space Agency.  Other countries have expressed interest in contributing to the mission as well.  The proposed launch date is 2020 but with a mission so complex it may take more time in order to prepare for it.