22 years ago, the Galileo probe photographed Europe for the last time. Since then, Jupiter’s icy moon has remained shrouded in mystery…until today. NASA recently confirmed a resurgence of interest in Jupiter’s moon, and we already knew that the Juno spacecraft was on its way to photograph it. A vision as impressive as it is eerie.
Technology has changed since the last time Europe was photographed in the 2000s. That’s why now we can expect much more detailed images of Jupiter’s sixth largest moon.. These are just the first images we have received from the satellite, and they give an idea of its icy crust.
In addition, Europa is very similar in size to the Moon, our natural satellite. However, the conditions that led to its formation could no longer differ from the latter. While our body is rocky and arid, Jupiter’s body it has a thick crust of ice under which we would find a frozen ocean.
But the most impressive thing is not this, but the fact that in the same ocean, scientists and researchers believe that the perfect recipe for the existence of life can be found.
Jupiter’s moon Europa gets new visit after 20 years of loneliness
The Juno probe was tasked with making a brief visit to Europe. Thus, he managed to approach only 352 kilometers from the surface of the planet. Without a doubt, this this is one of the closest approaches ever made to Jupiter’s natural moon..
In addition to capturing images on its surface, we know that Juno was on another mission as well. As NASA previously commented, the probe also has a mission study the components of the atmosphere of a celestial body and its crust.
“Terrain features are clearly visible, including tall blocks casting shadows while bright and dark ridges and troughs curve across the surface.” commentary from those in charge of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at NASA. “The oblong pit near the terminator could be a collapsed impact crater.”
Exploring Europe has just begun
However, within two years, the final mission to explore Europe will be launched. This is the Europa Clipper mission, and its goal will be a much closer analysis of Jupiter’s moon. In fact, it is expected that in addition to its atmosphere and bark, you can also take a dip in its interior. As we have already mentioned, this area is of particular interest to NASA and other agencies, as there may be life there.
The Europa Clipper will study the atmosphere, surface and interior of the Moon, its main scientific goal is to determine if there are places below Europa’s surface where life could exist.
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Mission Europa Clipper He plans to reach Jupiter and the rest of the objects that make up his system in 2030.. So there’s still time to unravel the truth beneath Europa’s icy lunar surface.