Saturday, April 6, 2013

Hydrogen Peroxide On Europa

A new study finds hydrogen peroxide exists broadly across a wide area of the icy surface of Jupiter's moon, Europa.  Further, the peroxide seems to be in heavier concentrations on the leading hemisphere of Europa, which is nearly pure water ice, than in the trailing hemisphere, where the ice tends to be mixed with sulphur and other elements.

The widespread presence of hydrogen peroxide is important because it could increase the potential for life in the ocean under Europa's shell of ice.  If the peroxide reaches the ocean and mixes with organic compounds there, it could be an energy source for life.

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