Beyond Earth: Investigating the Moons of Jupiter and Saturn for Signs of Life
- Paper number
IAC-23,A7,1,5,x80031
- Author
Ms. Garima Saroj, Ajay Kumar Garg Engineering College, India
- Year
2023
- Abstract
This research study tends to focus on the exploration of the subterranean oceans on Europa, Ganymede, and Enceladus—the moons of Jupiter and Saturn. It is speculated that the subterranean ocean underlying Jupiter's moon Europa holds more water than all the oceans of Earth put together. A subsurface ocean is also believed to exist beneath Ganymede. The Juno probe uncovered evidence of a potential "magma ocean" beneath the moon's crust which may provide the ideal habitat for the origins of life. Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, is another moon with a subterranean ocean. The Cassini spacecraft revealed plumes of water vapor and frozen particles emerging from the south pole of the moon. These plumes might facilitate the finding of any marine microorganisms that may be present there. Spacecraft missions in orbit, remote sensing, and computer modelling are a few of the techniques employed to study these moons. The research emphasizes how crucial it is to investigate these moons' deep oceans in order to learn more about potential extraterrestrial life. Newer discoveries, including the identification of organic molecules beneath Ganymede's crust, water vapor plumes erupting from Europa's surface, and plumes coming from Enceladus possessing molecular hydrogen, are also closely observed. By stressing the significance of ongoing research into these moons and their deep oceans in the effort to find extraterrestrial life, we can conclude. Future missions will continue to investigate these intriguing planets and deepen our understanding of the possibility of extraterrestrial life, such as the Europa Clipper and the JUICE (Jupiter ICy moons Explorer) project.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-23,A7,1,5,x80031.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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