Carbon Dioxide Discovery
Using data from the Near-Infrared Spectrograph instrument aboard the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers discovered carbon dioxide in a particular region on Europa’s surface known as Tara Regio. This geologically young area features generally resurfaced terrain, indicating recent activity beneath the surface. Scientists believe that the carbon likely originated in the subsurface ocean and was deposited on a geologically recent timescale, implying a strong connection between the moon’s surface and its ocean. Furthermore, the presence of carbon dioxide supports the idea that Europa’s ocean may contain the necessary building blocks for life.
Oxygen Production Conundrum and Implications for Life in Europa’s Ocean
Recent studies indicate that Europa’s oxygen production may be lower than initially estimated, raising questions about the amount of available oxygen in the moon’s underground ocean. According to a study led by Jamey Szalay of Princeton University, Juno spacecraft measurements suggest that between 13 pounds and 39 pounds (6 kilograms and 18 kilograms) of oxygen are produced every second at Europa’s surface. These findings about Europa’s oxygen production highlight the importance of understanding the moon’s chemistry and its potential to harbor extraterrestrial life. The lower-than-expected oxygen levels could have significant implications for the habitability of Europa’s subsurface ocean, as the available oxygen may not be sufficient to support complex lifeforms.