NASA scientists have found positive signs of life on Jupiter's moon Europa as they believe that plumes of water vapor are escaping from its surface. This remarkable discovery is also likely to affect its Europa mission that the space agency plans to launch in the 2020s.
NASA scientists have announced that plumes of water vapor seem to be escaping from Jupiter's icy moon Europa, reports Huffington Post. William Sparks, an astronomer associated with the Space Telescope Science Institute, said that the evidence of the plumes is visible in the fresh observations made by the Hubble Space Telescope as well.
The plumes are proof that a vast underground liquid water ocean exists beneath the icy surface of Jupiter's moon. Also, it is an indication that the place is more likely to have signs of life than some had thought. Notably, Europa has been considered for long to be one of the potential places in the solar system where extraterrestrial life may exist.
According to Sparks, the emergence of plumes is significant because it means scientists can explore the ocean of Europa for organic chemicals as well as signs of life, without having to go through the task of drilling the unknown miles of ice. Many scientists believe that life existing below the surface could be brought to the surface by water jets.
Therefore, the discovery is being seen as a major step in the direction of research focusing on extraterrestrial or alien life, claims Space.com. According to the site, it is also likely to influence the Europa Mission of NASA, expected to be launched in the 2020s. The mission will make many flybys of Jupiter's moon over a span of several years with the motive of learning more about the ocean, existing on it and its ability to support life.
Scientists are hopeful after this fresh discovery and they are looking forward to the mission. Paul Hertz, the Astrophysics Division director at NASA headquarters, has said that the results have increased their confidence. He also said that now they are positive about studying the surface of Jupiter's moon with more precision.
