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Scene 2 : Europa ( 5 minutes / second speed , watching Europa rotate with Jupiter in the background . Pan the camera and slowly zoom out to see Jupiter . To see the light side of both Europa and Jupiter , go to Feb 8 , 2021 .)
For our next destination , we will head to Saturn ’ s neighboring planet , Jupiter , where we will take a look at one of the four Galilean moons , Europa . ( Pause .) Scientists find Europa so fascinating because it may have a 60-mile deep saltwater sea under an exterior crust of ice that may be able to support life . Keep in mind , lifeforms on Europa would not look like humans , animals , or purple , slimy , aliens with seven arms . Instead , they would more likely resemble a sort of bacteria . Europa ’ s surface temperature is a mere – 230 degrees Fahrenheit , so how is water liquid and not frozen ? Well , Jupiter ’ s colossal gravitation allows this . Its gravitation causes tremendous tidal forces on Europa that flex its surface and interior , producing patterns of cracks and ridges on the ice that would be expected for an ice-covered sea . In fact , scientists believe that Europa could contain twice as much salt-water as oceans on our home planet , Earth . Like Titan , scientists are so intrigued by Europa because of its one of a kind liquid presence . In fact , Europa is one of an estimated six moons in our solar system that contain liquid water .
Europa doesn ’ t just have water , though . Researchers have discovered that Jupiter ’ s moon has a thin atmosphere made up mostly of oxygen . In their quest for extraterrestrial life , researchers are encouraged by Europa ’ s thin , oxygen-rich atmosphere since it is essential to life . But Europa ’ s habitability will be put to the test soon as NASA has a trip planned to explore it with the Europa Clipper . Set to launch in 2024 , the Europa Clipper will be the most advanced spacecraft ever sent to see if life exists elsewhere , and it is expected to arrive at its destination in 2030 . The spacecraft will do many close flybys of Europa to determine whether the moon could be habitable . This will be a
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