James Webb finds carbon dioxide on the surface of one of Jupiter’s moons: Is there life on Europa?

It’s this week’s astrological news. The latest observations by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have revealed the presence of carbon dioxide on the surface of Jupiter’s icy moon Europa. This result is not trivial: This is a strong signal that supports the idea that this moon of Jupiter is habitable. Especially in its underground ocean, which appears to contain the carbon necessary for life. Needless to say, Scientists are excited.

he carbon It is an essential component of life as we understand it, so its presence and origin on Europa provides important information about the conditions and possibilities for life on this distant moon.

Carbon dioxide in Europe

Europa is one of the few worlds in our solar system that is believed to support life. We do not know whether there is life or not But this result is very promising and continues to make Europa the most interesting target for planetary scientists and astrobiologists. If life exists outside Earth It can be found there.

The interesting thing about this conclusion is that it comes from two independent teams of scientists. Both used near-infrared observations using the James Webb Space Telescope’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) and The two teams came to exactly the same conclusion: Carbon dioxide concentrations, even though it is mixed with other compounds. Carbon dioxide from the ocean appears to be seeping onto Europe’s icy surface. Apparently, it could be most abundant in an area known as Tara Reggio, an area where the lunar soil is full of domes, cracks, ridges and holes. This terrain is like this due to changing surface ice and signs of material exchange between the ocean and the surface.

“The strongest signal comes from the chaotic terrain, which is geologically cooler than other areas in Europe,” says Geronimo Villanueva of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. “This means that this material is most likely new and must come from within.”

And so the ocean within Europe It can be carbonatedNot in the sense that it is gaseous, but because it is filled with carbon dioxide. We know that this element tips the balance towards habitable conditions under the icy crust of this interesting moon.

The scientists’ analyzes reveal that this carbon is not the product of meteorites or other exogenous entities, but rather likely originates from the large underground ocean found in Europa.

“Understanding the chemistry of Europa’s ocean will help us determine whether it is hostile to life as we know it or whether it could be a good place for life.” Villanueva, lead author of one of the studies, said:

So far, James Webb has only taken a look at Europa, but three more visits are planned, so we should have a more complete picture of its surface. Will you finally be hospitable to life?

Fortunately, Webb won’t be the only one with his sights set on the moon. ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) mission is already on its way to Jupiter, which will closely study Europa, Callisto and Ganymede from July 2031. In addition, the Europa Clipper mission will be a bit early, arriving a year earlier, and its goal will be to fly by Europe. 32 times.

Jupiter’s moon, with its icy facade and hidden secrets, continues to arouse curiosity and enthusiasm among scientists and space enthusiasts, and may continue to present us with surprises as we delve deeper into it.

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