An ocean emerges on Europa
Kerr, R.A.
Science 276(5311): 355
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-8075 PMID: 9139355 Document Number: 472413
At a recent NASA press conference in Pasadena, California, researchers announced what they consider persuasive evidence of a deep ocean below the icy surface of Jupiter's moon, Europa. Images newly returned by Galileo reveal a complex, shattered terrain that bears an uncanny resemblance to the ice cover of the Arctic Ocean, according to researchers. The images have convinced some planetary scientists that a thin layer of ice floating on liquid is the most reasonable way to explain the turmoil previously observed on Europa's surface, though not everyone is convinced. If, however, the planet does have an ocean, it would have an abundance of liquid water, a necessity for life.