Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Europa's Ocean Floor May Lack Conditions for Life
Scientists studied Jupiter's moon Europa, which has a big ocean under its icy surface.
They wanted to see if this ocean could support life.
Their research suggests that the ocean floor is too strong for tectonic and volcanic activity, which on Earth helps create conditions for life.
Without these activities, it's harder for life to exist.
However, Europa still has liquid water, organic chemicals, and energy from Jupiter's tidal forces, which are important for life.
NASA's Europa Clipper mission, launched in 2024, will fly by Europa in 2031 to learn more about its conditions.
The scientists hope to be wrong and find that Europa could support life after all.
Europa's ocean floor is likely too strong for tectonic and volcanic activity, which are key for life on Earth.
The study considered Europa's size, rocky core, and Jupiter's gravitational forces.
Europa's ocean may contain double the water present in Earth's oceans.
NASA's Europa Clipper mission, launched in 2024, will conduct flybys starting in 2031 to examine Europa's conditions.
Europa possesses liquid water, organic chemistry, and energy from tidal heating, which are critical for supporting life.
- Who
- Researchers led by planetary scientist Paul Byrne
- What
- Assessed Europa's ocean floor for tectonic and volcanic activity
- When
- Study published on January 7, 2026
- Where
- Europa, Jupiter's moon
- Why
- To determine if Europa has conditions suitable for life
- Diameter of Europa
- 1,940 miles (3,100 km)
- Thickness of Icy Shell
- 10-15 miles (15-25 km)
- Depth of Subsurface Ocean
- 40-100 miles (60-150 km)
- Water in Europa's Ocean
- Double the water in Earth's oceans
- Launch Year of Europa Clipper
- 2024
- Expected Flybys Start Year
- 2031