Life-Bearing Lake Possible On Icy Jupiter Moon

astroengine writes "New research shows the jumbled ice blocks crowning the surface of Jupiter's icy moon Europa are signs of large liquid lakes below, a key finding in the search for places where life might exist beyond Earth. Drawing from studies of underground volcanoes in Iceland and Antarctica, scientists ran computer models to see if the chaotic formations on Europa's surface could be explained by the same geologic processes seen on Earth. It turns out that not only could this be further evidence for a sub-surface ocean, but also a mechanism that mixes ice and water, circulating nutrients and energy to get from the frozen surface to the ocean below."

Comments

Cool

[zwede]

Let's go have a look.

Re:send a probe!

[Fluffeh]

Most likely microbes

Even single celled organisms can be quite amazing right here on earth. These puppies were recently found in the depths of our oceans. I can't wait to see what life will come up with on another planet/moon with a totally different set of playing rules.

I only meddle in biology, but what I have learned is that for each time you think that life can't get any stranger, you soon enough discover something that proves you wrong yet again.

If only we had a space program ...

[perpenso]

All these worlds are yours except Europa. Attempt no landing there.

If only we had a space program that would warrant such a warning.

Re:If only we had a space program ...

[Surt]

Mod parent +5, depressing.

Re:If only we had a space program ...

[Bucky24]

Ya know I imagine if some alien entity put a giant message telling us not to land on a certain planet that's the first place NASA would go...

Re:If only we had a space program ...

[paulmac84]

I'll bite. Some of us like to push the boundaries of what is thought possible. Some of us would like to see for ourselves what it is like outside the Earth's gravity well. The space program has pushed forward our technology in too many ways to list here. Why shouldn't we continue to push forward those boundaries? No one denies that it isn't difficult or complex, but in trying to attempt the impossible we learn more about our world and the universe we inhabit. On one hand you argue that space is too big and our technology too small, and then you argue that we should root for life extension not because it is easy but because it is hard. Sounds to me that you make the same argument for life extension as you do for not having a space program. I also find it ironic that you quote JFK from a speech he gave about going to the moon.

Re:If only we had a space program ...

[jpapon]

I don't know whether or not your predictions are correct, but as a scientist and engineer, I CAN say that I would never want to work with you. You may think spouting such vile nonsense is beneficial, but all it does is show how small-minded you are. Here's an idea, why don't we pursue both space exploration and the medical technology you mentioned. There's plenty of resources to do so... we could find ample funding for both if the "defense" budgets of the world were cut a few percent.

Re:It's life, Jim

[Surt]

If but one in a billion planets has life, there is a LOT of life out there.