Astronomers Catch Water Erupting from Plumes on Jupiter’s Icy Moon Europa

Astronomers made the first direct measurement of water vapor in Europa’s atmosphere. It's the best evidence yet for water plumes erupting from the icy moon.

By Erika K. Carlson
Nov 18, 2019 4:00 PMNov 19, 2019 3:34 PM
Europasurface (1)
Subsurface water on Jupiter’s moon Europa is one place where humans plan to search for life. This artist’s concept shows a massive plume of underground water erupting from the moon’s surface. (Credit: NASA/ESA/K. Retherford/SWRI)

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Jupiter’s moon Europa has an icy shell that conceals a liquid water ocean. Now, scientists have made the first direct measurement of water vapor in Europa’s atmosphere. It’s the best evidence yet for a water plume erupting from the moon’s surface. 

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