Current Understanding of Europa and Potential in Upcoming Exploration
Keywords:
Europa, astrobiology, space exploration, Jupiter, MarsAbstract
Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, has been an object of interest to astrobiologists, as well as planetary scientists in general, for some time. In particular, Europa has drawn interest due to evidence suggesting the presence of a subsurface liquid water ocean, which could potentially support life. Only recently, however, has concrete planning begun for exploration of this celestial body. These missions are described, followed by an overview of selected areas of research on Europa relevant to astrobiologists, along with discussion of planned investigations for upcoming missions to explore Europa. Finally, based on these potential benefits to scientific knowledge, it is argued that exploration of icy moons such as Europa should remain a priority in that they provide opportunities for the study of astrobiology that cannot be offered by the current focus of most study, Mars.
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