The Planetary Society is committed to pushing the boundaries of space science and exploration. They believe that discovering extraterrestrial life could revolutionize our understanding of the universe. Two of the most promising places to search for life in our solar system are Mars and Europa, one of Jupiter’s intriguing moons.
Europa is a captivating celestial body that you can spot with a telescope or even binoculars. When you gaze at Jupiter, Europa appears as one of the bright dots of light, similar to what Galileo saw when he first used a military telescope to observe the night sky. He discovered Jupiter and its four largest moons, now known as the Galilean moons.
Europa is particularly interesting in the search for life because it is thought to have more seawater than Earth. For a long time, the idea of sending a mission to Europa seemed impractical due to the high costs of landing and drilling through its thick ice crust, which is estimated to be 20 to 50 kilometers deep. However, the liquid water beneath this icy surface, warmed by Jupiter’s gravitational pull, makes Europa a prime candidate for studying the potential for life.
Astrobiologists have studied what conditions are necessary for life, concluding that a suitable environment needs a membrane to separate living organisms from their surroundings and a liquid solvent, with water being the most viable option. Europa’s icy crust and the presence of liquid water beneath it create an exciting possibility for life. The moon is known to shoot geysers of water into space, which could offer a more practical way to explore than landing and drilling.
Instead of an expensive lander, a simpler spacecraft could be designed to orbit Jupiter and fly through Europa’s geysers. This method would allow scientists to gather data and potentially find signs of life without the need for extensive drilling. Congressman John Culberson from Texas is hopeful about the potential for life on Europa, noting that essential life elements have been detected in the moon’s seawater by instruments on the Galileo spacecraft.
The estimated cost for a mission to Europa is around $2 billion. Spread over ten years, this amounts to a minimal expense for taxpayers—comparable to the cost of a single cup of coffee. This relatively low investment could lead to groundbreaking discoveries, with some experts predicting that we could find evidence of life within the next 20 to 30 years.
The search for life on Europa would not be the work of a single person or nation. It would involve collaboration among various space agencies, including the European Space Agency, the Canadian Space Agency, and the Indian Space Research Organization, among others. This collective effort highlights the global importance of the mission.
Finding evidence of life on Europa would not only enhance our understanding of the universe but also have profound implications for humanity. The potential discovery of extraterrestrial life could change the world as we know it, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in space exploration and the collaborative efforts of scientists and citizens alike.
Create a scale model of Europa using materials like clay or foam. Focus on representing its icy crust and the hypothesized ocean beneath. This hands-on activity will help you understand the physical characteristics of Europa and the challenges of exploring its surface.
Design a mission plan to explore Europa’s geysers. Work in groups to outline the spacecraft’s design, the scientific instruments needed, and the data collection methods. Present your mission plan to the class, simulating a real-world space mission proposal.
Engage in a debate about the ethical implications of spending billions on space exploration versus addressing issues on Earth. Consider the potential benefits of discovering extraterrestrial life and how it could impact humanity’s future.
Research and present on the conditions necessary for life as we know it. Compare these conditions to those hypothesized on Europa. This activity will deepen your understanding of astrobiology and the potential for life beyond Earth.
Simulate an international collaboration by dividing into groups representing different space agencies. Develop a joint mission plan to explore Europa, focusing on how each agency’s strengths can contribute to the mission’s success.
Search – The systematic investigation or study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. – The search for extraterrestrial life involves analyzing data from telescopes and space probes to identify signs of life beyond Earth.
Life – The condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death. – Scientists are exploring the possibility of microbial life existing in the subsurface oceans of Europa.
Europa – One of Jupiter’s largest moons, known for its smooth ice-covered surface and the potential for a subsurface ocean. – Europa is considered one of the most promising places to search for life in our solar system due to its potential ocean beneath the ice.
Water – A transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance, which is the main constituent of Earth’s streams, lakes, and oceans, and the fluids of most living organisms. – The presence of water in liquid form is a key factor in the search for life on other planets and moons.
Astrobiology – The branch of biology concerned with the study of life on Earth and in space, including the search for extraterrestrial life. – Astrobiology combines elements of astronomy, biology, and geology to understand the potential for life elsewhere in the universe.
Exploration – The action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it. – The exploration of Mars has provided valuable insights into the planet’s geology and climate, informing future missions.
Jupiter – The largest planet in the solar system, known for its Great Red Spot and numerous moons. – Jupiter’s strong magnetic field and radiation belts pose challenges for spacecraft exploration.
Moons – Natural satellites that orbit planets, often varying in size, composition, and geological activity. – The Galilean moons of Jupiter, including Europa, are of great interest to scientists studying planetary systems.
Gravity – The force that attracts a body toward the center of the Earth, or toward any other physical body having mass. – Gravity on Jupiter is much stronger than on Earth, affecting the dynamics of its atmosphere and moons.
Mission – A specific task or duty assigned to a spacecraft or space probe, often involving exploration or data collection. – The Juno mission aims to study Jupiter’s composition, gravity field, magnetic field, and polar magnetosphere.
