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Jupiter's moon Europa may have signs of life in its buried ocean — but can we get to them?

NASA’s Juno data helps plan future missions searching for signs of life.

Jupiter's moon Europa may have signs of life in its buried ocean — but can we get to them?

Scientists are analyzing data gathered by NASA’s Juno spacecraft, which has been studying Jupiter and its moons since July 2016. The mission is providing crucial insights into Europa’s icy shell and subsurface ocean, a key element in assessing potential habitability. Specifically, Juno’s observations contribute significantly to understanding the composition of Europa's surface. This information will be invaluable as scientists prepare for upcoming missions designed to directly investigate this moon. Ultimately, this analysis supports efforts to determine optimal locations for future exploration and interpretation of findings regarding life.


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