Archive · 7 Jun 2025
Europa May Briefly Sustain Life When Sun Becomes Red Giant
When the Sun grows old, it will become a red giant, getting much bigger.
Scientists think that during this time, Jupiter's moon Europa might become a place where life could exist, even if only for a while.
The Sun's heat, plus extra heat reflected by Jupiter, could melt parts of Europa's icy surface.
This might create conditions where tiny life forms could live in the water under the ice.
This period could last up to 200 million years, offering a possible new home for life in our solar system, after humans may be gone.
Scientists predict Europa could potentially support life for up to 200 million years when the Sun becomes a red giant.
The Sun's expansion into a red giant would shift the habitable zone outward, impacting Europa.
Combined heat from solar radiation and Jupiter's reflection could melt parts of Europa's icy crust.
The warming could expose or evaporate subsurface oceans.
The northern and southern regions of Europa might retain water, creating a modest atmosphere.
- Who
- Scientists and researchers at the Carl Sagan Institute at Cornell University are involved in this research.
- What
- Scientists predict Europa, Jupiter's moon, could potentially support life for up to 200 million years when the Sun becomes a red giant.
- When
- This potential habitability is predicted to occur when the sun transforms into a red giant star.
- Where
- Europa, Jupiter's moon.
- Why
- As the Sun expands into a red giant, Europa may briefly become habitable due to increased solar radiation and Jupiter's reflected heat.
- Location
- Europa, Jupiter's moon
- Event
- Red giant phase of the Sun
- Potential Habitability Duration
- Up to 200 million years
- Source of Heat
- Increased solar radiation and Jupiter's reflection
- Research Institution
- Carl Sagan Institute at Cornell University