22 years ago, the Galileo probe photographed Europa for the last time. Ever since then, Jupiter’s icy moon had remained shrouded in mystery…until today. Recently, NASA confirmed the revival of interest in Jupiter’s satellite, and we already knew that the Juno probe was on its way to photograph it. The vision is as impressive as it is spooky.
Technology has changed since the 2000s, when Europe was last photographed. This is why now we can expect much more detailed captures of Jupiter’s sixth largest moon. These are just the first images we have received from the satellite, and they offer a glimpse of its icy crust.
Europa, moreover, is quite similar in size to the Moon, our natural satellite. However, the conditions that led to its formation could not be more different from the latter. While ours is a rocky and arid body, Jupiter’s it has a thick crust of ice, under which we would find a frozen ocean.
But the most impressive thing is not this, but rather that, in this same ocean, scientists and researchers believe that the perfect recipe for the existence of life could be found.
Europa, Jupiter’s moon, receives a new visit after 20 years in solitude
The Juno probe has been commissioned to make a short visit to Europe. Thus, it has managed to approach a mere 352 kilometers from the planet’s surface. Without a doubt, this it is among the closest approaches ever made to Jupiter’s natural satellite.
In addition to capturing images on its surface, we know that Juno was also on another mission. As NASA commented previously, the probe also has the task of study the components of the atmosphere of the celestial body and its crust.
“Terrain features are readily visible, including tall blocks that cast shadows, while bright and dark ridges and troughs curve across the surface,” comment those responsible for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, at NASA. “The oblong pit near the terminator could be a degraded impact crater.”
The study of Europe is just beginning
Within two years, however, a definitive mission will be launched to study Europa. This is the Europa Clipper mission, and its purpose will be to analyze Jupiter’s moon much more thoroughly. In fact, it is expected that in addition to its atmosphere and crust, you can also delve into its interior. As we have already mentioned, this area is of special interest to NASA and other agencies, as it could harbor life.
Europa Clipper will study the atmosphere, surface and interior of the moon, its main scientific objective being to determine if there are places under Europa’s surface that could harbor life.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory at NASA
The Europa Clipper Mission It plans to reach Jupiter and the rest of the objects that make up its system in the year 2030.. So there is still some time to unravel the truth beneath Europa’s icy lunar surface.