Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Europan Ocean Case Strengthened

Scientists studying the icy surface of Jupiter's moon Europa have found evidence that the poles of Europa can shift position, thus changing the rotation of the body. We know this happens on other worlds, including Earth and Mars, but finding it on Europa indirectly affects the argument for life under the ice.

When poles shift, the crust of the world tends to shift, floating to a new position. On Earth, the crust is rocky, and floats on hot magma. On Europa, huge slabs of ice make up the surface. If they float, as this theory argues, they must float on an ocean of water. And if there is an energy source deep in Europa's interior that keeps the moon from freezong solid, and abundant water, and organic molecules from the outside-- there may well be life.

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